As
part of our improved fleet maintenance and testing processes, the
Trust has this week identified that a small number (18 out of a
total of 300) of our ambulance fleet are potentially close to the
limit for the gross vehicle weight, when fully kitted up and with a
crew and a patient on board.

Therefore, as a precautionary measure and to
ensure the safety of our patients and staff, we are reviewing the
standard load list for these vehicles and taking immediate action
to reduce the total weight. This will ensure that we can continue
to use these vehicles safely until they are replaced, as part of
the next phase of our ambulance replacement programme.

It is important to state that there have been
no reported accidents or incidents related to this issue and the
actions being taken will have no clinical impact on our
patients.