Written question WQ100377

In July, the average response time to the highest acuity ‘Purple: arrest’ service users in north Wales was within target at 7 minutes 38 seconds. Orange category performance was the best in Wales at 46 minutes — nearly 20 minutes faster than the national average.

Further reductions in ambulance patient handover delays should support continued improvement, under the national expectation that all handovers are completed within 45 minutes of arrival.

In support, the Welsh Government is working with the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and NHS Wales Performance and Improvement to reduce ambulance waits by improving handover, patient flow and ambulance availability, with clear national expectations and targeted assistance for the health boards.