30 June 2016
Today (30 June) Chief Executive Dr Fionna Moore spoke at the launch of a London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) report Living on the Edge: Housing London’s Blue Light Emergency Services.
The report looks at the affordability of housing in London for paramedics, police constables and fire-fighters. It makes a series of recommendations, asking the new Mayor to consider ways he can support frontline staff in London’s emergency services to make it easier to live in London.
Dr Moore highlighted the challenges the Service has had in recruiting and retaining paramedics. She flagged the cost of living as an issue for staff and the risks to staff of travelling far at the end of a long shift.
The recommendations include a rental deposit scheme for permanent operational staff, altering the London plan to identify the need for specialist emergency service worker housing and commissioning or building homes specifically to rent to emergency service workers.
Dr Moore shared her support for the report and its recommendations, she said:
“We have over 3,000 frontline staff and are keen to support any recommendations that would improve their lives, including the proposals to make it easier for emergency service workers to live and work in London.
“Whilst the report focuses on paramedics, other staff have an important role to play providing care to patients across London. For example the call handlers in our emergency control room and all of our staff who support the Service are vital and are affected by the same issues as paramedics outlined in this report.”
Ends
http://www.londonambulance.nhs.uk/news/news_releases_and_statements/chief_executive_speaks_at_laun.aspx
