Demand for urgent and emergency care continues to grow while capacity across hospitals, primary care and community services remains constrained. This places sustained pressure on ambulance response and patient flow.

Ambulance services are increasingly expected to act as system co-ordinators, helping patients access the most appropriate care rather than defaulting to hospital conveyance.

Better use of data, digital tools and clinical decision support will be essential to anticipate demand, support clinicians and improve patient outcomes.

Operating across five Integrated Care Systems means we must work closely with partners to improve pathways, reduce variation and support integrated urgent care models.

Future models of care require a flexible, skilled and supported workforce, alongside continued focus on recruitment, retention and wellbeing.

We must continue improving quality, productivity and innovation to ensure services remain sustainable in a financially constrained NHS.