Health Secretary Wes Streeting faced calls last night to ditch the 'unreasonable' Net Zero strategy to electrify all UK ambulances within 15 years.
The cash-strapped NHS is to desert all its diesel ambulances and install almost 5,000 charging points at healthcare facilities and ambulance stations to power a fleet of electric-powered automobiles.
Health chiefs have refused to reveal just how much the new ambulances will cost, however main figures seen by the Mail on Sunday expose it will cost ₤ 100million simply to upgrade the grid and electrical infrastructure needed for charging points.
The MoS can likewise reveal there are presently just two electric-powered ambulances getting guests in England - compared with more than 4,500 diesel ambulances.
There are 160 other electrical emergency lorries for paramedics, including two cars, 16 reaction vans and 3 motorcycles.
The most current electrical ambulances have a variety of approximately 200 miles, but paramedic teams in backwoods often travel further in a shift.
Latest figures reveal the typical reaction time in England for the most life-threatening 'category-one' ambulance calls is 7 minutes and 52 seconds - compared to an NHS target of 7 minutes.
Last night Nick Timothy MP, previous chief of personnel to ex-prime minister Theresa May, said: 'Ambulance services have actually been struggling to fulfill their action targets. With these obstacles it is ridiculous to sidetrack NHS employees from their jobs with unrealistic Net Zero targets.
West Midlands Ambulance service launched the first totally electrical emergency situation ambulance 2020
Wes Streeting dealt with calls last night to ditch the 'ridiculous' strategy to energize all UK ambulances
'Time, planning and expense are going into buying electric vehicles and constructing chargers - many of which will never ever be installed - instead of enhancing action times.
'A lot more worrying is the challenge of upgrading the grid in time to meet the extra demand.
'This is yet another case of environment policy racing ahead of technology with stunning outcomes for patients and taxpayers.'
England's very first electric ambulance began running in the West Midlands in 2020. Another 8 will be provided this year to be used in city areas such as Birmingham.
West Midlands Ambulance Service said: 'Seventy per cent of our location is generally rural and this continues to be the biggest element in our relocate to electrical - having the variety to operate in locations where vehicles can do 200 miles-plus in a shift.'
East of England Ambulance Service has been trialling 3 electric ambulances since 2023, however has not used them to carry travelers. Another 8 will be delivered to the service this year.
The Department of Health stated: '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 improve patient care and conserve the taxpayer money. Electric ambulances will not impact response times, [and] are cutting emissions, maintenance and fuel costs.'
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Wes Streeting Urged to Ditch Bid to Electrify all UK Ambulances
margenemaguire edited this page 2025-06-04 19:34:53 +08:00