West Midlands Ambulance Service takes hundreds of calls from Scotland to aid Covid fight
West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) has taken hundreds of calls from Scotland during the pandemic to help over-stretched services north of the border.
Covid-related staff shortages meant that around one third of all Scottish ambulance calls were being dealt with by five English services at the end of January.
Call centre staff at WMAS have dealt with 678 Scottish calls between last March and January 31, as part of emergency national contingency arrangements in the UK.
It means operators in the West Midlands have clocked up almost 98 hours taking 999 calls, triaging them and providing pre-arrival advice.
Ministers have praised their efforts as "another example of the national health service working across the whole country" during the Covid crisis.
As well as WMAS, ambulance services in the North West, East Midlands, South Western and the South East have also chipped in to help.
According to data from the Scottish Ambulance Service almost one in four of more than 1,000 staff have been diagnosed with Covid.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock, said: “Throughout the pandemic we have worked closely across the UK in a united front against this virus.
"This ambulance service collaboration is another example of the national health service working across the whole country in a spirit of mutual aid – offering support when it’s needed.
“From vaccines to ambulance services, we are stronger together across the UK in the fight against this pandemic.”
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: "Collaboration between English and Scottish NHS ambulance services illustrates the whole of the UK pulling together to benefit every part of the union.
Backing
"This mutual aid is vitally important, with services ready and able to support each other.
"The fight against the coronavirus is a truly national effort.
"From the furlough scheme to vaccine procurement and the backing of our military personnel, the UK Government is committed to delivering for all parts of the UK."
Many ambulance services across the UK have been hit by staff shortages at times during the pandemic.
At the start of the year WMAS was reportedly hit by a Covid outbreak at its call centre in Stafford, although bosses said the service was still able to maintain staffing levels across its sites.
WMAS has also supported under strain ambulance services in London during the pandemic.
It recorded its busiest ever day in early January, taking 5,383 calls, including around 700 from the nation's capital.
