Health Secretary Wes Streeting has announced a significant and potentially life-saving acceleration in NHS ambulance response times across England, marking the best December performance since before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Faster Response for Critical Emergencies
New official data released by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) reveals that ambulances responded to Category 2 calls, which include suspected heart attacks and strokes, an average of 15 minutes faster in December compared to the previous winter. This category represents serious conditions that require a rapid response.
The average response time last month was 32 minutes and 43 seconds. This is a substantial improvement from 47 minutes and 26 seconds recorded in December of the previous year and a dramatic leap from the one hour, 32 minutes, and 55 seconds average seen in December 2022.
Government Credits Early Winter Preparation
Ministers attribute this progress to the government's strategy of preparing for winter pressures 'earlier than ever before'. Key measures they claim have made a difference include the rollout of 500 new ambulances nationwide and an additional £450 million investment into accident and emergency care services.
Commenting on the figures, Mr Streeting stated: 'If you suffer a suspected heart attack or stroke this winter, the ambulance will reach you 15 minutes faster than last year. That could be the difference between life and death, thanks to this government's investment and modernisation.'
Acknowledging Challenges Ahead
While celebrating the progress, the Health Secretary also recognised ongoing pressures within the health service. 'There are still too many patients receiving unacceptable levels of care, and there's a long road ahead of us,' he admitted, before praising NHS staff: 'But the efforts of NHS staff this winter has made real progress for patients. A lot done, and the best is still to come.'
The Conservative opposition welcomed the improvement but urged caution. Shadow Health Secretary Stuart Andrew responded: 'Any improvement in ambulance response times is welcome. But the reality is crews spent the equivalent of 137 years parked outside hospitals in Labour's first eight months in office and there is still serious strain on the system.'
