Ambulance merger goes ahead

Staffordshire's Ambulance Service has been consigned to history today as its merger with its West Midlands counterpart takes effect.

The move closes the book on 19 years of operations under the title Staffordshire Ambulance Service but bosses have promised patients the transition will be painless and that response times will not suffer.

The amalgamation was announced in July in a statement issued to MPs by NHS West Midlands who said both organisations met the government criteria to merge as they were both performing well.

Service bosses say it will very much be business as usual today.

Staff will be operating the same vehicles in the same uniforms from the same locations using the same protocols and procedures.

And Community First Responders will remain an integral part of the service provision.

Staffordshire Chief Operating Officer, Peter Murtagh, said: "The Staffordshire Trust had an enviable track record over many years and it is only right that that excellence in operational and clinical areas is maintained.

"Over the last year or so, we have been able to spread best practice right around the region, taking all that is good in Staffordshire and sharing it with colleagues across the area.

"However, we have also been learning many vital lessons about how we can do even better in Staffordshire.

"There is no doubt that the last 12 months have not been easy, but throughout this period, the staff have been magnificent in the way that they have dealt with the uncertainty."

West Midlands Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, said: "The road to merger has not been an easy one but through the magnificent work of staff in both Trusts it has been achieved far sooner than could have been hoped.

"I am absolutely delighted that we are able to welcome the staff from Staffordshire; they have a rich heritage and I am certain that the new enlarged organisation will continue to go from strength to strength."

Mr Murtagh will take up a new role as Locality Director for Staffordshire with WestMidlands Ambulance Service.

Staffordshire UNISON Branch Secretary Barry Barlow added: "It is great that the merger has gone ahead, it is absolutely the right thing for the staff and the people of Staffordshire.

"There will be many benefits for staff as part of a larger organisation: better training; the chance to train to advanced skill levels; and better promotional opportunities.

"All this can only have a positive effect on the service we provide to people in the county

'The staff are committed to this merger and determined to ensure that we continue to provide the same level of service that we have done for many years."