The role played by the UK NHS ambulance sector during the Covid-19 pandemic demonstrates its potential contribution, in terms of co-ordination, navigation and provision, to the collective delivery of integrated urgent and emergency care services alongside other providers and system partners.
The regional footprint of NHS ambulance trusts underpins the unique role they can fulfil in the co-ordination of integrated 999 and 111 services, out of hours access, and clinical assessment services (CAS) to ensure the most appropriate response for each patient.
This case study outlines the progress of some trusts in realising this potential during the pandemic, and the significant contribution the sector can make to the realisation of fully integrated urgent and emergency care, working with and alongside other providers and system-partners.