News: News

2021 summer months three of our top five busiest months ever

June, July and August of this year were three of the top five busiest months on record for London Ambulance Service in terms of 999 calls taken.

July 2021 was our second busiest month on record – second only to March 2020 where we saw the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. August and June were our fourth and fifth busiest ever months respectively.

A message from the Chief Executive – 03 September

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our colleague, Orin Clarke, who passed away on Sunday 22 August with COVID-19.

Please help us to help you during busy Bank Holiday weekend

We are asking Londoners and visitors to the capital to use our services wisely as we prepare for a busy Bank Holiday.

Buckinghamshire New University launch new paramedic science degree with London Ambulance Service

Buckinghamshire New University has launched a new BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science course with London Ambulance Service and South Central Ambulance Service, starting in September 2021.

The 3-year degree course will be delivered from the University’s High Wycombe and Uxbridge campuses, supporting workforce development in the Thames Valley and London regions. The programme received development funding (£100k) from Health Education England, alongside capital investment from the University to develop this exciting new programme.

NatWest Group helps support over 200 London Ambulance Service apprentices

NatWest Group has agreed apprenticeship funding to help support over 200 London Ambulance Service (LAS) staff wanting to further develop their careers on the frontline.

The funding, made through the apprenticeship levy transfer scheme, will help pay towards apprenticeship courses at our Service for up to four years.

Medics welcome jailing of man who repeatedly assaulted and threatened them

London Ambulance Service paramedics have welcomed the jailing of a man who repeatedly assaulted and threatened them over a number of years.

How you can help us help you as we experience significant demand

In the summer months, demand on our Service has risen significantly – at times to 7,000 and even 8,000 999 calls in a 24 hour period. A usual ‘busy’ day will see our 999 control room teams take around 5,500 calls.

Our teams are working extremely hard, often in very challenging circumstances.

To help us reach patients who need us as quickly as we can, please only call 999 if it’s a serious medical emergency. For urgent medical help when it’s not an emergency, please go to NHS111 online first.

Staying well in the warmer weather – a message from LAS Gold Commander Pauline Cranmer

As the sun comes out and temperatures rise this week and over the weekend– many of us will be looking forward to enjoying the sunshine and fine weather. But please be aware of the dangers of spending too long in the sun and the health risks of hot weather..

Message from London Ambulance Service ahead of the Euro 2020 final

While we hope you enjoy the game – and hopefully a great result – we ask that you are sensible and careful so you don’t need our help. 

Two of Service’s pioneering initiatives recognised at an awards ceremony celebrating excellence in the NHS

The Service’s End of Life Care Team, which provides training to ensure terminally ill people get compassionate care that respects their wishes, was announced as a winner at the NHS Parliamentary Awards today (7 July).

London Ambulance Service appoints new Chief Executive

The Chair of the London Ambulance Service, Heather Lawrence OBE, has today announced the appointment of Daniel Elkeles as the Trust’s new Chief Executive. Daniel, who will join LAS on secondment on 16 August 2021, has significant experience in the NHS and healthcare, and is currently Chief Executive of Epsom and St Helier Hospitals NHS Trust, where he has served for nearly seven years.

London Ambulance Service Chair announces that Chief Executive is to step down

The Chair of London Ambulance Service, Heather Lawrence OBE, has today announced that Garrett Emmerson is to step down from his position as Chief Executive Officer at the end of August.

Hold a ‘Big Tea’ Party this summer to raise funds for LAS charity

Join the nation’s biggest tea break this summer to raise funds for NHS charities – including the LAS charity – and to say a big thank you to the NHS.

Closure of Bounds Green ambulance station

We are vacating Bounds Green Ambulance Station (Bounds Green Road, London, N22 8DE) in the London Borough of Haringey in North London as our lease of the property is due to come to end on 1 August 2021.

We would like to provide reassurance that despite this change, we will continue to provide high quality ambulance services and patient care across Haringey and the surrounding area.

A message from the Chief Executive – 29 June

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Paul Gayson who worked in our Make Ready Hub at St Helier Ambulance Station.

How you can help us help you over the summer 

This summer, we are asking Londoners to take care and be sensible while they enjoy themselves – to help us to help those who need us, in a time of pressure on our Service.

Medics who educate school children commended by police

Medics from London Ambulance Service who educate school children on the realities of knife crime have been commended by the police.

Two LAS staff members recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours

Two of London Ambulance Service’s most experienced medics have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours announced on Friday 11 June.

Cardiac arrest survivor thanks Team LAS “humble heroes” for saving his life

A 54-year-old man whose heart stopped beating for 21 minutes has thanked the London Ambulance Service staff who helped save his life.

Medics attend Downing Street event

On Wednesday nearly 30 of our medics attended a special event at 10 Downing Street which was organised to recognise the hard work of the London Ambulance Service during the COVID-19 pandemic.