Wes Streeting Urged to Ditch Bid to Electrify all UK Ambulances

Health Secretary Wes Streeting dealt with calls last night to ditch the ‘ridiculous’ Net Zero plan to energize all UK ambulances within 15 years.

The cash-strapped NHS is preparing to desert all its diesel ambulances and install nearly 5,000 charging points at hospitals and ambulance stations to power a fleet of electric-powered automobiles.

Health chiefs have refused to expose just how much the new ambulances will cost, however official figures seen by the Mail on Sunday expose it will cost ₤ 100million simply to update the grid and electrical facilities needed for charging points.

The MoS can likewise reveal there are currently simply two electric-powered ambulances choosing up passengers in England – compared to more than 4,500 diesel ambulances.

There are 160 other electrical emergency situation lorries for paramedics, consisting of two cars and trucks, 16 reaction vans and 3 motorcycles.

The most recent electric ambulances have a variety of approximately 200 miles, however paramedic crews in rural locations often take a trip even more in a shift.

Latest figures reveal the typical action time in England for the most deadly ‘category-one’ ambulance calls is seven minutes and 52 seconds – compared to an NHS target of 7 minutes.

Last night Nick Timothy MP, former chief of staff to ex-prime minister Theresa May, stated: ‘Ambulance services have actually been having a hard time to fulfill their response targets. With these it is ridiculous to distract NHS workers from their tasks with unrealistic Net Zero targets.

West Midlands Ambulance service released the very first fully electric emergency situation ambulance 2020

Wes Streeting dealt with calls last night to ditch the ‘unreasonable’ strategy to energize all UK ambulances

‘Time, preparation and expense are entering into buying electric automobiles and building battery chargers – a lot of which will never ever be installed – instead of enhancing action times.

‘Much more concerning is the challenge of updating the grid in time to meet the additional demand.

‘This is yet another case of climate policy racing ahead of technology with stunning results for clients and taxpayers.’

England’s first electrical ambulance started running in the West Midlands in 2020. Another 8 will be provided this year to be used in metropolitan areas such as Birmingham.

West Midlands Ambulance Service stated: ‘Seventy per cent of our area is mainly rural and this continues to be the greatest consider our relocation to electrical – having the variety to operate in locations where cars can do 200 miles-plus in a shift.’

East of England Ambulance Service has been trialling three electric ambulances because 2023, but has actually not utilized them to transport travelers. Another eight will be delivered to the service this year.

The Department of Health said: ‘New electric ambulances will conserve the NHS ₤ 59million a year to reinvest in frontline care.’

The NHS stated: ‘It is right we look for sustainable options when they enhance client care and save the taxpayer cash. Electric ambulances will not affect response times, [and] are cutting emissions, maintenance and fuel expenses.’

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