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A steel signing ceremony has marked a key milestone in the construction of a new £12.8m ambulance hub in Ipswich, which will help keep more emergency vehicles on the road.
Why it matters: The state-of-the-art facility at Ransome Park will replace the outdated site on Woodbridge Road East, providing modern facilities for 100 ambulance staff and space for 29 emergency vehicles.
The big picture: The hub represents a significant investment in Ipswich's emergency healthcare infrastructure:
It will house a 24/7 make-ready and workshop service
Staff will benefit from dedicated welfare spaces, including quiet areas and a wellbeing garden
A two-storey car park will provide 78 parking spaces, with potential for future expansion
By the numbers:
Total cost: £12.81m
Department of Health funding: £10m
East of England Ambulance Service contribution: £2.81m
What they're saying: "The hub will help deliver better outcomes for patients here in Ipswich, helping to slash local waiting times," says Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich and the Government's East of England Mission Champion.
Neill Moloney, Chief Executive of the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST), adds: "This state-of-the-art hub will provide a modern base for our people and focus on their wellbeing, as well as ensuring we are keeping more vehicles on the road."
What's next: Following planning approval in April 2024, the hub is scheduled to open in September 2025.
The bottom line: The new facility promises to modernise ambulance services in Ipswich, with a focus on maintaining vehicle availability and supporting staff wellbeing.
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