First reported 21 Jan 2014•Latest report 18 Jun 2026
Definition
What this concern includes
Includes delays, target failures, capacity pressures, admission barriers and ineffective improvement measures that directly concern the ambulance-to-hospital patient handover process.
Not included
Excludes delays in ambulance response that are not directly linked to hospital handover.
Excludes generic hospital staffing, social care, patient-flow or capacity deficiencies unless the report directly ties them to ambulance-to-hospital handover delays.
Excludes clinical handover failures between hospital wards or other services that do not concern ambulance-to-hospital patient transfer.
Excludes safety monitoring and clinical care while a patient waits where the assertion does not itself identify delayed handover.
Reports
77
Distinct published reports
Individual concerns
86
A report can raise multiple concerns
Date range
2014–2026
First to latest report issue date
Stated actions
337
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 Care43
Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust20
NHS England18
Betsi Cadwaladr University LHB14
Welsh Government9
Aneurin Bevan University LHB4
Care Quality Commission4
Conwy County Borough Council4
Denbighshire County Council4
Flintshire County Council4
NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board4
Wrexham County Borough Council4
East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust3
Gwynedd Council3
Isle of Anglesey County Council3
Ministerial department43
NHS trust32
Local health board22
Executive non-departmental public body18
Integrated care board12
Devolved government9
Healthcare site5
Health and social care service regulator4
Welsh county borough council4
Welsh county council4
Type not available3
Health professional body2
Registered charity2
Sub-organisation2
Devolved legislature1
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.
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
Concerns raised1
Failure to complete ambulance handovers within the 15-minute target
This report raised 3 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.
No linked response statements
No respondent-stated action or position is linked to these concerns in the published data.
Coventry
Concerns raised1
Delays in ambulance handover reducing emergency ambulance availability
This report raised 5 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.5
Action
Implement the Release to Rescue approach across trusts, beginning handover at 30 minutes and completing it by 45 minutes.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 18 March 2026.
Action
Publish urgent and emergency care and long-term health plans prioritising shorter ambulance responses, reduced handover delays, improved flow and expanded urgent-care access.
Stated by NHS EnglandStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 18 March 2026.
Action
Implement the Release to Rescue programme and work with regional partners to reduce ambulance handover delays to a 45-minute maximum.
Stated by NHS EnglandStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 18 March 2026.
Action
Take regulatory enforcement action against ambulance services that cannot meet emergency response times for critically unwell patients.
Stated by Care Quality CommissionStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 18 March 2026.
Action
Take regulatory action against NHS trusts where emergency departments do not accept ambulance handovers within safe and responsive times.
Stated by Care Quality CommissionStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 18 March 2026.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.2
Position
NHS England will address the report’s other concerns in a separate response.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
NHS Pathways and ambulance-service concerns fall outside the Royal College of General Practitioners’ remit.
Stated by Royal College of General PractitionersOutside remitThe respondent said that this matter was outside its role or authority.
Coventry
Concerns raised1
Delays in ambulance handover at local hospitals
This report raised 5 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.
No linked response statements
No respondent-stated action or position is linked to these concerns in the published data.
North Wales (East and Central)
Concerns raised1
Significant delays in hospital ambulance handover
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.3
Action
Update and issue ambulance patient handover guidance to health boards for immediate delivery.
Stated by Jeremy MilesStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 2 March 2026.
Action
Establish and operate a clinically led national taskforce to improve safe and timely ambulance handover and address delays exceeding 45 minutes.
Stated by Jeremy MilesStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 2 March 2026.
Action
Provide additional financial and expert support to Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to improve service quality, safety, flow, access and governance.
Stated by Jeremy MilesStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 2 March 2026.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.2
Position
Direct delivery of health and social care services is outside Welsh Ministers’ responsibility.
Stated by Jeremy MilesOutside remitThe respondent said that this matter was outside its role or authority.
Position
Health boards and NHS trusts are responsible for planning, commissioning and delivering services within the national policy framework.
Stated by Jeremy MilesRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton
Concerns raised1
Failure to maintain ambulance availability during hospital handover delays
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.2
Action
Continue working with hospitals to deliver handover-time targets.
Stated by South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 14 November 2025.
Action
Submit the 2026/27 service plan to NHS England in February.
Stated by South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation TrustStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 14 November 2025.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
The relevant hospital organisation, rather than the ambulance service, has ultimate power to resolve ambulance handover-delay concerns.
Stated by South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation TrustRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Northamptonshire
Concerns raised2
Delays in ambulance-to-hospital handover
Delays in transferring ambulance patients into the Emergency Department
This report raised 5 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.10
Action
Formalise direct ambulance pathways to Same Day Emergency Care and extend operating hours.
Stated by University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS GroupStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 31 October 2025.
Action
Launch Rapid Assessment and Acute Assessment Units to expand ambulance handover capacity and stream patients directly into acute assessment.
Stated by University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS GroupStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 31 October 2025.
Action
Introduce a NerveCentre pre-arrival screen using ambulance clinical histories to prepare handovers before arrival.
Stated by University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS GroupStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 31 October 2025.
Action
Commission eight additional Rapid Assessment Unit trolley spaces at Northampton General Hospital for primary assessment and faster handover.
Stated by University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS GroupStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 31 October 2025.
Action
Continue working with system partners to reduce delay impacts and implement the national 45-minute maximum ambulance handover standard.
Stated by University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS GroupStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 31 October 2025.
Action
Reduce ambulance handovers to a maximum of 45 minutes and average Category 2 response times to 30 minutes.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 31 October 2025.
Action
Implement the 45-minute ambulance handover protocol with acute, commissioning and national healthcare partners through weekly oversight meetings.
Stated by East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 31 October 2025.
Action
Direct patients dynamically to hospitals outside their usual catchment areas when necessary to reduce handover delays and restore ambulance availability.
Stated by East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS TrustStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 31 October 2025.
Action
Initiate and record rapid or immediate hospital handover requests during high-demand periods under the safe-handover escalation procedure.
Stated by East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS TrustStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 31 October 2025.
Action
Enable ambulance services to convey patients directly to non-emergency-department facilities, including same-day emergency care services.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 31 October 2025.
Manchester South
Concerns raised1
Delays in clearing ambulances from emergency departments within accepted turnaround times
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.3
Action
Reduce ambulance handovers to a maximum of 45 minutes and average Category 2 response times to 30 minutes.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 29 August 2025.
Action
Improve hospital patient flow so 78% of A&E patients are seen within four hours and reduce 12-hour waits.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 29 August 2025.
Action
Continue monitoring performance and working with NWAS and NHS England to sustain urgent and emergency care improvements.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 29 August 2025.
Failure to align ambulance rostering assumptions with hospital handover performance
Failure of health board plans to improve ambulance handover timeliness
Insufficient escalation of ambulance handover delays across health boards
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
Commission and complete a review of health-board compliance with ambulance patient handover guidance.
Stated by Welsh GovernmentStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 30 June 2025.
Action
Seek urgent assurance from each health board on actions supporting handover-guidance compliance and reduced delays.
Stated by Welsh GovernmentStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 30 June 2025.
Action
Follow up health-board progress through Integrated Quality Planning and Delivery meetings.
Stated by Welsh GovernmentStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 30 June 2025.
Action
Establish a National Handover-45 Taskforce to support system-wide ambulance handover improvements.
Stated by Welsh GovernmentStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 30 June 2025.
Action
Develop and support high-impact community pathways, effective emergency-department processes, and patient-flow and discharge processes.
Stated by Welsh GovernmentStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 30 June 2025.
Action
Assess NHS Wales readiness to deliver ambulance handovers within 15 minutes and no later than 45 minutes.
Stated by Welsh GovernmentStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 30 June 2025.
Action
Compile evidence on effective ambulance handover strategies to inform an improvement programme and readiness assessment.
Stated by Welsh GovernmentStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 30 June 2025.
Action
Run 30-, 60- and 90-day rapid improvement events with health-board and operational leaders.
Stated by Welsh GovernmentStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 30 June 2025.
Action
Share successful local strategies, cultures, processes and models with all health boards.
Stated by Welsh GovernmentStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 30 June 2025.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.3
Position
Welsh Ministers set strategic expectations but do not deliver health services; health boards and NHS trusts deliver services within the national policy framework.
Stated by Welsh GovernmentRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
Health boards are responsible for ensuring ambulance handovers occur reliably, in clinical priority order and within 15 minutes.
Stated by Welsh GovernmentRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
WAST is responsible for managing and delivering emergency ambulance services, while the JCC plans, secures and commissions them.
Stated by Welsh GovernmentRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Devon, Plymouth and Torbay
Concerns raised1
Severe delays in patient handovers at acute hospitals preventing ambulances and crews returning to service
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.3
Action
Provide capital investment for Same Day Emergency Care, Mental Health Crisis Assessment Centres and new ambulances.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 11 June 2025.
Action
Reduce ambulance handovers to a maximum of 45 minutes and Category 2 response times to 30 minutes.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 11 June 2025.
Action
Improve hospital patient flow so at least 78% of A&E patients are seen within four hours and fewer wait over 12 hours.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 11 June 2025.
North Wales (East and Central)
Concerns raised1
Delays in hospital handover of ambulances
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
Complete the compliance review of ambulance patient handover guidance and share its findings with health boards.
Stated by Welsh GovernmentStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 17 June 2025.
Action
Seek urgent assurance from each health board on actions to comply with ambulance handover guidance.
Stated by Welsh GovernmentStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 17 June 2025.
Action
Monitor health-board progress against ambulance handover actions through Integrated Quality Planning and Delivery meetings.
Stated by Welsh GovernmentStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 17 June 2025.
Action
Establish the clinically led National Handover-45 Taskforce.
Stated by Welsh GovernmentStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 17 June 2025.
Action
Compile evidence on effective ambulance handover strategies and develop an improvement programme and readiness assessment.
Stated by Welsh GovernmentStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 17 June 2025.
Action
Support health boards and WAST to improve ambulance handover performance toward 15-minute handovers and a 45-minute backstop.
Stated by Welsh GovernmentStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 17 June 2025.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.3
Position
Welsh Ministers set strategic expectations but are not responsible for delivering health services.
Stated by Welsh GovernmentOutside remitThe respondent said that this matter was outside its role or authority.
Position
Health boards are responsible for planning, commissioning and delivering local health services within the national policy framework.
Stated by Welsh GovernmentRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
Health boards are responsible for ensuring ambulance handovers occur reliably and that receiving hospitals have sufficient capacity.
Stated by Welsh GovernmentRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
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Includes delays, target failures, capacity pressures, admission barriers and ineffective improvement measures that directly concern the ambulance-to-hospital patient handover process.
