Nearly 300 new recruits boost Scottish Ambulance Service

The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) has boosted its staffing by welcoming nearly 300 new recruits this year.

Up to 280 Newly Qualified Paramedics (NQPS) are set to join SAS at locations across the country.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Angela Constance visited Livingston Ambulance Station today (November 9) to meet some of the new staff, alongside SAS Chief Executive Michael Dickson and Chairman Tom Steele. The Scottish Government has invested £4 million to help create the extra roles.

During the visit, she was also given a tour of some of SAS’s new fleet. Since April, the Service has welcomed 190 new replacement vehicles, including emergency ambulances and patient transport vehicles, as part of its ongoing fleet investment.

Michael Dickson, Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service, said: “These newly qualified paramedics are a great boost to our service ahead of what can be our busiest months.

“Our continued ambition, supported by the Scottish Government, is to grow and develop our workforce. Alongside investment in our new replacement fleet, this will strengthen our teams, increase resilience and help us provide the best possible care across Scotland.

“As we head into winter, the public can also help by using the right service. If you need urgent care but it’s not life-threatening, visit your local pharmacy, go online to NHS Inform, call NHS 24 on 111 or visit your GP. This will help keep our ambulance crews available for those facing the most serious emergencies.”

Health Secretary Angela Constance said: “Ambulance staff have shown outstanding resilience in the face of sustained pressure and I want to thank them for their continued dedication and hard work.

 “We are working hard to provide the Scottish Ambulance Service with the staff and resources it needs to continue delivering a high-quality emergency service to people across Scotland.

“I recognise the vital contribution that newly qualified paramedics make and our £4 million investment is helping more successful applicants secure employment. This is helping bring workforce levels to a record high and supporting our NHS as we enter into winter.  

“The fleet replacement programme highlights our commitment to investing in our health service and will deliver more than 1,000 new and improved vehicles over five years, ensuring crews have the modern and reliable equipment which they need.”