South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb)
has paid tribute to and thanked its Patient Transport Service (PTS)
staff in Sussex ahead of a change in the contract which takes place
on Friday (1 April).
The change, which sees Coperforma Ltd take on the management of
the new contract and transport provided by Thames Ambulance Service
and VM Langford’s, marks an end to a connection between PTS and NHS
ambulance services in the county, most recently SECAmb, since the
1960s.
Many staff have transferred under TUPE conditions to the new
provider while some have taken retirement and others will continue
with the Trust in other roles. Also transferring over will be a
number of volunteer car drivers who have supported PTS operations
over the years.
SECAmb PTS manager Karen Dawes thanked staff for their
dedication and said: “SECAmb is proud to have such committed and
patient-centred staff in PTS. We value each and everyone’s
contribution to delivering a fantastic service to their local
population.”
SECAmb Acting Chief Executive/Director of Commissioning Geraint
Davies also paid tribute to the many years so many had given to the
Trust and added: “It is a sad time but the new providers are
fortunate to be getting such well-trained, committed and loyal
staff. I wish them all the very best and I am sure they will
continue to provide the best for their patients in
Sussex.”