AACE outlines future vision for the ambulance service

The Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) has published a report outlining the English ambulance sector’s vision for 2020 and beyond, and the steps that are required to ensure that it is realised.

It presents a vision of the ambulance service as a mobile healthcare provider with roles including navigation, coordination, diagnostics, treatment and transport. It also describes an extended range of settings within which care is offered and the range of services available.

It offers a new model of care—enabled by technological development—increasing the use of tele-healthcare, and sees an increased number of advanced paramedics working alongside paramedics fully integrated into a multi-disciplinary urgent care team.

The report proposes an enhanced clinical decision-making role for paramedics, supporting the delivery of care closer to home and within the community. This is in line with NHS England’s Five Year Forward View, which outlined areas where imminent change within the NHS is imperative, specifically in respect of demand, efficiency and funding.

It goes on to argue that the Urgent and Emergency Care Review has presented the ambulance sector with an ideal opportunity to reposition itself as a pivotal urgent and emergency care provider, calling for the sector to broaden its prevention role and urgent care focus, becoming the gateway to urgent care provision via 999 and 111.

In order to realise this vision, the report says that technology must be embraced to facilitate improvements across emergency and urgent care wherever reliable, sound solutions are available that stand to benefit patients. Also, it outlines that the paramedic workforce must be developed and equipped with high-quality urgent care skills to ensure its integral role within the multi-disciplinary team.

AACE has called on staff as a key enabler in nurturing the perception of the ambulance service as a mobile healthcare provider and a key partner in designing new services.

According to AACE, the document has been informed by extensive consultation within the sector and with key stakeholders, and in response to the current healthcare policy and economic contexts.

Taken from Journal of Paramedic Practice, published 22 October 2015.