A new report shows that West Midlands Ambulance Service is the most efficient in the country.

This success was achieved by the Trust being the only ambulance service in the country with a paramedic on every vehicle, having the most modern fleet with all vehicles standardised and none over five years old and by using some of the most technologically advanced equipment. Together this means that WMAS is able to discharge more patients at the scene than any other service, which brings real benefits to patients and hospitals as fewer patients are taken to A&E.

The report by Lord Carter of Coles examines the differences between ambulance services in England. West Midlands Ambulance Service Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, said:

“Despite being one of the worst funded ambulance services in the country, our unique operating model means we are the only Trust in the country to consistently surpass all of the response targets. We have invested heavily in technology and have one of the most technologically advanced control centres.

"We have worked very hard over recent years to improve the support we provide to staff and we now have two physiotherapists helping those who do get injured back to work. We have expanded our peer support networks for staff should they need any help after serious incidents - together these allow us to have the lowest sickness rate in the country.

“Lord Carter recognises the huge cost and frustration experienced by ambulance services dealing with the unacceptable hospital handover delays. It was clear how impressed he was with what we do here in the West Midlands.

“There is no doubt that further improvements in technology would benefit our staff and patients alike. We will study the report closely so that we can make further improvements for the benefit of patients.”