South Western Ambulance Service FAQ

Pros

The initial training is very good indeed, and the provided staying well service is brilliant - when you are allowed time off the phones to use it. My colleagues are absolutely amazing.

Cons

Demand has got crazy and too many members of the public call for stupid reasons that they could sort themselves. Staffing is inadequate for the high demand which everybody could see would happen when covid rules were relaxed but the organisation is not agile enough to respond to these changing circumstances. Frequent abuse from callers, exposure to horrible things and when it is busy you are made to feel like you're letting the team down if you need to take time off after a bad call. One colleague was so distressed after a bad call that they couldn't resume their duty and it was recorded against them as a sickness absence. The trust make a large noise about wellbeing but only back this up in quiet times, which basically means we all have to suffer and just "get on with it". The pay is too low for the role and doesn't reflect the high level of responsibility. The triage system doesn't allow enough freedom to use your own initiative and you are expected to rely on an overstretched clinical team when you have concerns. The permanent relief rota system is absolutely exhausting and doesn't take fatigue or wellbeing into account. Overall the situation at present is unsafe and I'm ashamed to be a part of such a service.

Advice to Management

Sort the staffing out and take a risk by having an effective no send policy. Also do more for staff welfare when it's busy.

Pros

Nice crewmates, rewarding to work in the ambulance service in terms of making a difference to patients

Cons

No progression opportunities or support, poor managers, senior management no better. Grass definitely greener elsewhere.

Pros

Opportunities to learn from the best staff in the country.

Cons

Lack of progression within the workplace.

Advice to Management

More opportunities/development courses required for road staff to progress through the ranks. A bit like our colleagues in the Police and Fire service.

Pros

Good training and on the job support, job satisfaction and security, overtime helps boost income, NHS-related perks

Cons

Not well paid, long shifts, tough job

Advice to Management

Long waiting lists to be allocated a regular shift pattern, short shift breaks and restricted holiday dates, makes the job harder than it needs to be.

Pros

Good training and on the job support, job satisfaction and security, overtime helps boost income, NHS-related perks

Cons

Not well paid, long shifts, tough job

Advice to Management

Long waiting lists to be allocated a regular shift pattern, short shift breaks and restricted holiday dates, makes the job harder than it needs to be.