A new beginning

Last month, Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt, approved plans for South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust (SWASFT) and Great Western Ambulance Service (GWAS) to join forces.

The ministerial signature on the formal GWAS Dissolution Order paved the way for the creation of a single ambulance service for the South West from Friday 1 February when SWASFT took on the services currently provided by GWAS - creating an organisation serving a resident population of over 5.3 million people.

GWAS Chairman, Peter Carr, said: "When as a Board we decided in August 2011 to identify a partner rather than pursue an application for foundation trust status as an independent trust, our decision was based on the best interests of patients, staff and taxpayers. That focus has remained throughout the rigorous process that has resulted in this welcome decision by the Secretary of State.

"I would also pay tribute to all GWAS staff who have continued to provide high-quality care to patients during what has undoubtedly been an unsettling time for them personally. It is particularly pleasing that, during this period of change, GWAS has been shown as one of the best ambulance trusts in terms of clinical performance and response standards."

Ken Wenman has been interim Chief Executive of GWAS for the past year as well as Chief Executive for SWAFT for many years. He said: "I have met many skilled and committed clinicians and managers within GWAS, mirroring the expertise I know we have in SWASFT.
"As a result, I am really looking forward to the great opportunity we have to take the best from each trust. This will further improve the quality of care offered to patients, as well as further
strengthening the role of ambulance services within local health communities."