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Patients with genuine life-threatening conditions reached quicker due to new ambulance target times

When initially reading the headlines this morning regarding the downgrading of target ambulance response times for some patients with suspected heart attacks and strokes, I was very concerned as I frequently write about the importance of these patients being treated quickly to help ensure that they have the best chance of recovery.

However, on further analysis of the details, the headlines are slightly misleading and in fact my concern has turned to optimism.

The change to ambulance target times is affecting some conditions which would previously have been classified as “life-threatening” (requiring action from the call handler within 60 seconds and a response in eight minutes) to “emergency” (requiring action from the call handler in four minutes and a target response in 18 minutes with a maximum of 40 minutes).

So far this seems to be a concern but the change is intended for patients who have suspected conditions and come with an overall target not just for response but for treatment.

It is the target time for treatment which I feel is going to make the biggest difference and is something which I can absolutely get behind. At the moment, the target time is a time by which a representative from the ambulance service needs to be on the scene and with the patient.

In order to meet these target times, ambulance services are sending single paramedics on motorbikes or community first responders who are unable to transport the patient to hospital leading to a delay in effective treatment. The new timescales being introduced are based on the idea that 90% of patients suffering a heart attack will receive treatment from a specialist centre within 150 minutes of the call. For stroke patients, the target will be 180 minutes to effective treatment for 90%of patients.

I have written previously about the benefits of stroke patients receiving effective treatment as soon as possible after the on-set of symptoms in terms of recovery. These new targets now seem more focused on the effective delivery of treatment which, as NHS England medical director Sir Bruce Keogh said:

...will end the culture of ‘hitting the target but missing the point'. They will refocus the service on what actually counts: outcomes for patients.

Hannah Bottomley is a clinical negligence solicitor with Potter Rees Dolan. Should you have any queries about the issues raised in this article and wish to speak with Hannah or any other member of the team please contact us on 0161 237 5888.

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