Ambulance strikes: Armed Forces only have 40 paramedics qualified to work in NHS

EMBARGO: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

There are only 40 paramedics in the armed forces who would be qualified to work in the NHS, figures uncovered by the Liberal Democrats have revealed.

The government has admitted in response to a parliamentary question that the armed forces have 107 paramedics, of which 40 are confirmed as meeting the qualification requirements set out by the Health and Care Professions Council.  These are the qualifications needed in order to practise as a paramedic in the UK.

The figures were uncovered through a parliamentary question tabled by Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Daisy Cooper. 

It comes as the government has set out plans to bring in military personnel to drive ambulances and support the NHS during the strikes due to take place this month.

Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Daisy Cooper MP said:

"This shocking revelation lays bare the chaos our health services face.

"The Government has got to sort this out now before people's lives are put at risk. Their patchwork plan to keep ambulance services running has filled the public with anxiety about the days to come.  Emergency health services have already been starved of funding by this Government leading to dangerously high waiting times, and will now be plunged into even more chaos if these strikes go ahead. 

"Ministers need to get round the table and ensure these strikes are called off. Their grandstanding against nurses and paramedics only puts the public at risk.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor

The full parliamentary question and response can be found here.

The qualification requirements for paramedics set by the Health and Care Professions Council  can be found here. 

The NHS states that to practise as a paramedic, you need to complete an approved degree or apprenticeship and then register with the Health and Care Professions Council.