Concern over 'significant' ambulance service changes

Concerns have been raised by politicians over proposed changes at South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb).

Secamb recently announced it had exchanged contracts on a new centre in Farnborough, where ambulances serving West Surrey will be cleaned, restocked and prepared for use.

As part of the plans, the service said it would review its existing estate in Farnborough, Tongham, Guildford, Godalming and Haslemere to "determine where response posts would be best located".

Secamb said plans for the new centre - serving the Guildford Operational Unit from Hampshire - would improve patient safety and provide modern facilities.

They would also ensure its teams spent less time on the road and more time responding to patients, it added.

In an open letter, Guildford MP Zoe Franklin and West Surrey Council leader Paul Follows said they wanted clarity about the future of existing ambulance stations once the new "make ready centre" was created.

They urged the ambulance service to confirm if any sites were being considered for closure.

"Residents will understandably want reassurance that these changes will not make it harder for them to receive timely emergency care," the officials wrote.

"What evidence can Secamb provide that response times for the most serious incidents... will be maintained or improved," they asked.

Secamb said ambulances would continue to operate from within communities they served through its network of strategically placed ambulance community response posts.

The MP and council leader added that "given the significance" of the changes, they should have been consulted before the announcement was made.

Secamb said the new 40,000 sq ft (3,716 sq m) centre in Farnborough - the 12th and final in its network for Surrey - was being funded through a £24.8m investment from NHS England.

"As we continue to face increased demand, it is important that we invest in our estate and reduce maintenance costs of our older buildings," said Josh Taylor, head of operations for Guildford.

"By introducing the new centre alongside the network of more appropriately placed response posts, local communities can be reassured that our service to them is protected."

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, X, and Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Surrey on Sounds. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.