Wes Streeting Urged to Ditch Bid to Electrify all UK Ambulances

Health Secretary Wes Streeting faced calls last night to ditch the 'absurd' Net Zero plan to amaze all UK ambulances within 15 years.

The cash-strapped NHS is preparing to desert all its diesel ambulances and set up almost 5,000 charging points at medical facilities and ambulance stations to power a fleet of electric-powered lorries.

Health chiefs have actually refused to expose just how much the brand-new ambulances will cost, however main figures seen by the Mail on Sunday reveal it will cost ₤ 100million simply to upgrade the grid and electrical infrastructure required for charging points.

The MoS can likewise expose there are currently simply two electric-powered ambulances picking up travelers in England - compared with more than 4,500 diesel ambulances.

There are 160 other electric emergency situation cars for paramedics, including two automobiles, 16 response vans and three motorcycles.

The most recent electrical ambulances have a variety of up to 200 miles, however paramedic teams in backwoods frequently take a trip further in a shift.

Latest figures reveal the typical response time in England for the most life-threatening 'category-one' ambulance calls is 7 minutes and 52 seconds - compared with an NHS target of seven minutes.

Last night Nick Timothy MP, former chief of staff to ex-prime minister Theresa May, stated: 'Ambulance services have been struggling to fulfill their response targets. With these difficulties it is unreasonable to sidetrack NHS workers from their jobs with unrealistic Net Zero targets.

West Midlands Ambulance service launched the first completely electrical emergency ambulance 2020

Wes Streeting dealt with calls last night to ditch the 'unreasonable' plan to amaze all UK ambulances

'Time, planning and expense are entering into buying electric vehicles and developing chargers - a number of which will never be installed - rather of enhancing action times.

'Much more concerning is the challenge of upgrading the grid in time to satisfy the extra demand.

'This is yet another case of climate policy racing ahead of technology with stunning outcomes for clients and taxpayers.'

England's first electric ambulance started running in the West Midlands in 2020. Another eight will be provided this year to be utilized in metropolitan areas such as Birmingham.

West Midlands Ambulance Service stated: percent of our area is primarily rural and this continues to be the most significant consider our move to electric - having the range to operate in areas where lorries can do 200 miles-plus in a shift.'

East of England Ambulance Service has been trialling 3 electric ambulances given that 2023, but has not used them to transfer passengers. Another eight will be provided to the service this year.

The Department of Health stated: 'New electric ambulances will conserve the NHS ₤ 59million a year to reinvest in frontline care.'

The NHS stated: 'It is right we seek sustainable alternatives when they improve patient care and conserve the taxpayer cash. Electric ambulances will not affect reaction times, [and] are cutting emissions, upkeep and fuel expenses.'

Theresa MayWes StreetingNHS