North West Ambulance Service was created on July 1, 2006 as part of the reduction of the ambulances operating in the UK policy of Health Minister Lord Warner. The Service is based in Bolton and is responsible to giving ambulance support to almost 7 million people in Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire, Cumbria and the North Western fringes of Derbyshire.
The Service is funded through the general taxation which means that it does not charge directly its patients. Any UK citizens are entitled to avail freely the services provided by the Service.
Today, the Service employs 4,500 staff and has 114 operational ambulances. It is available 24 hours a day in the whole year to give medical treatment and transfer. There are Patient Transport Vehicles available as well to transfer patients to and/or from hospitals. The Service does not only provide emergency services but also counsels the patients about staying safe and healthy.
In addition, the Service has 5 strategic aims which are:
Quality Care- Effective, Safe, Clean and Caring
Communities – In Partnership with our communities
Infrastructure- Delivering today, developing for the future
Best Value- Efficient, Innovative and Productive
Staff- A fully engaged workforce working together for patients and communities.
