DOWNHAM MARKET: Staffing issues mean delay to town’s new ambulance service
A new ambulance which was due to have started service in Downham on Monday is still off the road, officials have admitted.
The vehicle was one of 15 delivered to key locations across the eastern region last week but, implementation of the additional service has been hampered by staffing problems.
The East of England Ambulance Service admitted this week that there would be a delay before the new vehicles could come into front-line service and no date has been given for when the additional coverage may start.
A spokesman said staffing the ambulances was reliant on overtime and it had not been possible to find staff who wanted to work extra hours.
“It’s a challenge because staff are already working hard,” he said.
The service was still liaising with staff and hoped it would be possible to man the new two-man ambulances before new recruits join the service.
He said: “We have 114 emergency care assistants and 25 paramedics due to start work before the end of March. We are very keen to see the vehicles operating at full-time capacity.”
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Weather for King's Lynn
Monday 20 May 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 9 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: North
