First reported 24 Feb 2014•Latest report 23 Mar 2026
Definition
What this concern includes
Includes recurring failures, resource constraints, dispatch problems and other dedicated ambulance-service response failures that result in delayed attendance to patients or emergency calls.
Not included
Excludes delays occurring after ambulance arrival, including hospital handover and crew-release delays.
Excludes delays in other emergency services, such as police, fire and rescue, or specialist clinical on-call attendance.
Excludes generic staffing, capacity or information-sharing deficiencies unless the reports explicitly tie them to delayed ambulance attendance.
Reports
118
Distinct published reports
Individual concerns
129
A report can raise multiple concerns
Date range
2014–2026
First to latest report issue date
Stated actions
460
Described in published responses
Reports over time
Reports over time
Reports about this concern issued each year.
* 2026 is projected from reports observed to 7 Sep 2026.
Most frequent recipients
Most frequent recipients
Reports about this concern sent to each recipient.
Department of Health and Social Care53
NHS England25
Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust22
Betsi Cadwaladr University LHB9
North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust8
Association of Ambulance Chief Executives7
East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust7
East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust6
Welsh Government6
Conwy County Borough Council4
Denbighshire County Council4
Flintshire County Council4
Gwynedd Council4
Isle of Anglesey County Council4
NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board4
NHS trust57
Ministerial department53
Executive non-departmental public body25
Local health board15
Integrated care board14
Health-sector membership body7
Police force7
Devolved government6
Health professional body6
Type not available5
Welsh county borough council4
Welsh county council4
Healthcare site3
Other public body3
Coronial office2
Concerns and responses across reports
Only concerns grouped under this recurring concern are included. Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.
Suffolk
Concerns raised2
Insufficient local NHS Trust capacity affecting ambulance attendance
Delays in ambulance attendance
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.4
Action
Publish the delivery plan for recovering urgent and emergency care services.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 21 November 2022.
Action
Provide additional funding to expand ambulance capacity and improve response times.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 21 November 2022.
Action
Maintain the additional ambulance capacity funded for 2024/25.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 21 November 2022.
Action
Deliver new ambulances and specialist mental health vehicles.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStatus unclearThe respondent did not make the status of this action clear when they made their response on 21 November 2022.
Manchester South
Concerns raised1
Delays in ambulance response caused by insufficient ambulance crews and vehicles
This report raised 2 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.6
Action
Publish the delivery plan for recovering urgent and emergency care services.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 7 November 2022.
Action
Provide additional funding to expand ambulance capacity and improve response times.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 7 November 2022.
Action
Deliver new ambulances and specialist mental health vehicles to increase ambulance capacity.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStatus unclearThe respondent did not make the status of this action clear when they made their response on 7 November 2022.
Action
Maintain the additional ambulance capacity funded for 2023/24 during 2024/25.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 7 November 2022.
Action
Increase ambulance workforce capacity through investment in NHS ambulance and support staff.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 7 November 2022.
Action
Continue working with NHS England to reduce ambulance waiting and response times.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 7 November 2022.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
Ambulance performance is reviewed through the existing Strategic Partnership and Transformation Board.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareExisting arrangements considered sufficientThe respondent said that existing arrangements were sufficient, so no further action was needed.
Norfolk
Concerns raised1
Unavailability of emergency ambulances during periods of high service demand
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.7
Action
Establish a clinician escalation process for delayed inter-facility transfers, including clinical review, CAD documentation, prioritisation decisions and communication with requesting clinicians.
Stated by Spire HealthcareStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 3 October 2022.
Action
Continue considering options to improve timely patient transfers, including liaison with private ambulance providers and national-level solution development.
Stated by Spire HealthcareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 3 October 2022.
Action
Maintain the Norfolk D1 system call place with stakeholders to discuss lengthy hospital handover delays and interim measures.
Stated by East of England Ambulance Service NHS TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 3 October 2022.
Action
Operate the Category 1 drop-and-go process so crews waiting at hospital can respond to Category 1 calls immediately.
Stated by East of England Ambulance Service NHS TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 3 October 2022.
Action
Operate the Category 2 rapid-release programme to enable eligible crews to hand over patients within 10 minutes and respond to Category 2 calls.
Stated by East of England Ambulance Service NHS TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 3 October 2022.
Action
Continue regular executive-level escalation to address worsening hospital handover delays.
Stated by East of England Ambulance Service NHS TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 3 October 2022.
Action
Review the current delay action plan.
Stated by East of England Ambulance Service NHS TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 3 October 2022.
Cheshire
Concerns raised1
Failure to match ambulance response capacity to demand
This report raised 2 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1
Action
Continue lobbying national bodies for changes to reduce hospital handover delays and improve ambulance capacity.
Stated by Association of Ambulance Chief ExecutivesStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 10 October 2022.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.2
Position
System-wide causes of ambulance delays must be addressed nationally by NHS England, the Department of Health and Social Care, and the wider health system.
Stated by Association of Ambulance Chief ExecutivesRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
National demand-and-capacity modelling is to be led by NHS England rather than undertaken by the organisation.
Stated by Association of Ambulance Chief ExecutivesRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Manchester South
Concerns raised1
Unavailability of ambulances for urgent responses
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1
Action
Invest an additional £3.3 billion in each of 2023–24 and 2024–25 to improve urgent and emergency care performance.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 5 October 2022.
Norfolk
Concerns raised1
Insufficient emergency ambulance availability for timely patient response
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.4
Action
Participate in daily system calls with hospitals and other stakeholders to address lengthy handover delays and interim measures.
Stated by EASTStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 3 October 2022.
Action
Operate the Category 1 drop-and-go process to release crews for Category 1 emergencies.
Stated by EASTStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 3 October 2022.
Action
Operate the Category 2 rapid-release programme to release crews within 10 minutes for validated Category 2 calls.
Stated by EASTStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 3 October 2022.
Action
Review the current delay action plan.
Stated by EASTStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 3 October 2022.
Manchester South
Concerns raised1
Delays in ambulance attendance and transport for patients requiring hospital care
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.4
Action
Invest an additional £3.3 billion in each of 2023–24 and 2024–25 to improve urgent and emergency care performance.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 27 September 2022.
Action
Allocate £150 million in additional system funding to support ambulance-service pressures, including call-handler recruitment and retention.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 27 September 2022.
Action
Provide £20 million to upgrade the ambulance fleet.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 27 September 2022.
Action
Invest significantly in the ambulance workforce and support workforce.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 27 September 2022.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
The NHS will set out detailed recovery plans to improve urgent and emergency care performance.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Manchester South
Concerns raised1
Failure to meet target ambulance response times
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.2
Action
Invest an additional £3.3 billion in ambulance and urgent emergency care services in 2023–24 and 2024–25.
Stated by WILL QUINCE MPStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 22 September 2022.
Action
Invest in the ambulance workforce, contributing to increased NHS ambulance and support staffing since April 2010.
Stated by WILL QUINCE MPStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 22 September 2022.
Gwent
Concerns raised1
Delays in providing ambulances to patients assessed as serious Amber 2 cases
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.9
Action
Review long-waiting patients through Clinical Support Desk clinical assessment and increase response priority when acuity warrants it.
Stated by Welsh Ambulance Services NHS TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 20 September 2022.
Action
Recruit and train additional staff to increase operational response capacity across Wales.
Stated by Welsh Ambulance Services NHS TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 20 September 2022.
Action
Implement new demand-aligned rosters across Wales, incorporating the identified additional single-staffed-car capacity.
Stated by Welsh Ambulance Services NHS TrustStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 20 September 2022.
Action
Use shorter-term forecasting and quarterly performance reports to develop mitigating action plans when performance is forecast below requirements.
Stated by Welsh Ambulance Services NHS TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 20 September 2022.
Action
Use cohorting crews to offload patients delayed outside hospitals, releasing frontline vehicles for waiting community calls.
Stated by Welsh Ambulance Services NHS TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 20 September 2022.
Action
Maintain unrestricted voluntary overtime availability for operational and clinical staff.
Stated by Welsh Ambulance Services NHS TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 20 September 2022.
Action
Operate the Clinical Safety Plan to dynamically prioritise patients with the most serious conditions when demand exceeds available resources.
Stated by Welsh Ambulance Services NHS TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 20 September 2022.
Action
Operate the Operational Delivery Unit to monitor real-time performance inhibitors, maintain situational awareness and coordinate mitigation across the unscheduled-care system.
Stated by Welsh Ambulance Services NHS TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 20 September 2022.
Action
Develop and submit the Transition Plan seeking investment and setting out internal efficiency and delivery-model changes.
Stated by Welsh Ambulance Services NHS TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 20 September 2022.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.2
Position
New rosters will initially retain a relief gap because commissioners have not provided additional resources for 2022/23.
Stated by Welsh Ambulance Services NHS TrustUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
Position
The Trust cannot insist on discrete system actions; substantial resourcing and policy direction depend on Welsh Government and other system partners.
Stated by Welsh Ambulance Services NHS TrustRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Birmingham and Solihull
Concerns raised1
Delays in handing over ambulance patients at hospitals
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.12
Action
Issue a joint national letter requiring systems to address risks from prolonged ambulance handover delays.
Stated by NHS EnglandStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 20 September 2022.
Action
Hold follow-up meetings with care systems and require them to set out plans for tackling handover delays and sharing system-level risks.
Stated by NHS EnglandStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 20 September 2022.
Action
Provide targeted and intensive support, including capital and revenue support where required, to trusts experiencing the greatest ambulance handover delays.
Stated by NHS EnglandStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 20 September 2022.
Action
Develop a wider support programme for acute trusts to improve ambulance handover performance.
Stated by NHS EnglandStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 20 September 2022.
Action
Work across Integrated Care Boards to determine the capacity required to support performance and how it can be delivered.
Stated by NHS EnglandStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 20 September 2022.
Action
Issue national guidance on increasing urgent and emergency care capacity and operational resilience, including action on Category 2 response times and ambulance handover delays.
Stated by NHS EnglandStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 20 September 2022.
Action
Continue exploring options to minimise hospital-discharge delays, including capacity for people needing ongoing non-acute care.
Stated by WILL QUINCE MPStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 20 September 2022.
Action
Coordinate a system-wide programme with all partners to improve urgent and emergency care flow and reduce ambulance handover delays.
Stated by Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care SystemStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 20 September 2022.
Action
Carry out a multi-stakeholder improvement event to achieve a further step change in urgent and emergency care delivery.
Stated by Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care SystemStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 20 September 2022.
Action
Increase use of Same Day Emergency Care and introduce surgical assessment virtual wards to support safe early discharge.
Stated by Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care SystemStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 20 September 2022.
Action
Commission additional community beds and ambulance support for complex discharges to improve bed availability and discharge flow.
Stated by Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care SystemStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 20 September 2022.
Action
Develop and fund the Birmingham and Solihull virtual-ward plan to support early discharge, admission avoidance and reduced ambulance turnaround times.
Stated by Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care SystemStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 20 September 2022.
Pin
Get email alerts
Request correction
Includes recurring failures, resource constraints, dispatch problems and other dedicated ambulance-service response failures that result in delayed attendance to patients or emergency calls.
