New ambulances rolled out to ease winter pressures
BBCMore than 100 new ambulances will be rolled out across the South West to help emergency services through the busy winter period.
The South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust (SWASFT) will receive the vehicles as part of a £75m project funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
The government scheme aims to boost frontline services, with a fleet of more than 500 double-crewed ambulances being provided nationally.
NHS trusts across the country have been under pressure with a strong and early flu season and the 107 new vehicles are intended to improve response times and care across the South West.
NHS national director for urgent and emergency care, Sarah Jane Marsh, said: "Modern, well-equipped and reliable ambulances are a vital part of emergency care and allow staff to respond quickly and safely when patients need them most."
The government said it is committing a further £412m over the next four years to continue renewing the fleet.
Wes Streeting, Health and Social Care Secretary, said: "These new ambulances are already helping to cut response times and keep more vehicles on the road, just as the NHS is facing a tidal wave of flu and the ongoing disruption of strikes."
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