The funding, announced by the Welsh Government, will provide a massive fleet upgrade for the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust. The new rollout includes:
- 50 new emergency ambulances
- 40 single responder vehicles
- 67 Non-Emergency Patient Transport Vehicles
- 3 specialist Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) vehicles
Faster, Greener, More Reliable
The investment is part of an ongoing modernisation programme to replace aging vehicles with models that meet the latest emissions standards. As the service covers over 8,000 square miles, including the challenging rural terrain of Carmarthenshire and the busy streets of Swansea, reliability is seen as the top priority.
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles, said:
“When someone dials 999, they need to know that help is on the way. This investment ensures our ambulance service has the modern, reliable fleet it needs to be there for people across Wales.”
High-Tech Future: Drones and AI
Beyond new vans, the service is also embracing “smarter care” technology. Trials are currently underway for defibrillator drones to reach rural areas, while AI is being explored to support 999 call handlers during peak periods.
(Image: Welsh Ambulance Service Trust)
Chris Turley, Executive Director of Finance for the Trust, added:
“Modern ambulances are more dependable, better equipped to support patient care and provide a safer, more comfortable working environment for our staff. We’re also proud to be playing our part in reducing our environmental footprint.”
The new fleet will feature hybrid engines and solar panels as part of a commitment to a “greener” future for the national health service.
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