Downham is to have another dedicated ambulance, crewed by two staff, as part of new measures by health bosses to cut waiting times.
On Wednesday, the East of England Ambulance Service announced that it would be introducing the new ambulance on Monday as one of 15 extra vehicles across the region.
The news has been welcomed by South West Norfolk MP Elizabeth Truss, who said: “This is very good news for residents in and around Downham Market.
“However, I would like more details about the provision for patients in the rural villages, and the arrangements for Swaffham and Thetford.
“I am meeting with the acting chief executive Andrew Morgan next month and I will raise this with him.”
An ambulance service spokesman said the vehicles were being placed at key locations after a review.
They are in addition to plans for new, more effective rotas and improvement measures, including a recruitment drive for 75 new paramedics and 124 emergency care assistants.
Mr Morgan said: “After reviewing the situation and listening to patient and staff feedback it became clear that getting more double-staffed ambulances out there was a priority that would directly benefit patients and reduce waiting times.
“I have had many discussions about the resources we have available and we are tackling the situation in many ways by recruiting more staff, trying to better match staff availability to demand, giving more power to local managers to deliver the right service for their area, working with hospitals to reduce turnaround times and addressing productivity, efficiency and sickness issues.
“All of this work will continue and must deliver results.”
He said it was clear there were not enough double-staffed ambulances out on the road and immediate action was needed to address this shortfall.
Mr Morgan said: “We will be working with staff on crewing the vehicles while we get our new frontline paramedics and emergency care assistants on board as quickly as possible.”
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