Exploration of the impact of COVID-19 on NHS ambulance performance [COVID-19]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on individual and organisational performance in an NHS Ambulance Service in England
IRAS ID
288387
Contact name
Paresh Wankhade
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Edge Hill University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 31 days
Research summary
The Coronavirus pandemic is one of the biggest public health crises faced globally and its implications for our already-under-pressure NHS ambulance services are quite significant. NHS Ambulance Services have witnessed massive reductions in their budgets over the past ten years which have impacted the response and service delivery of these organisations. As the pandemic continues, the pressure to respond appropriately and safely will maintaining adequate staffing levels will be substantial.\n\nThe demand for ambulance services continue to grow rapidly but the increased funding has not matched service demand and it struggles to meet its performance targets. With the highest sickness absence rates in the NHS, it would be crucial to maintain operational resilience and strategic capability when 999 demand grows on ambulance services over the coming autumn and winter months. The professionalism of ambulance staff has been particularly highlighted in the pandemic. But like many other sectors, they are also facing big challenges in dealing with the COVID-19 situation and this is bound to impact upon their mental wellbeing. Early evidence suggests that frontline staff are having increased risk of stress and mental health problems while dealing with COVOD-19 in addition to their physical health. \n\nThe study aims to explore the impact of the pandemic on individuals and teams within an under-researched organisational setting of an NHS ambulance service. It will investigate the implications for individual and organisational performance in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic while highlighting lessons learned for emergency preparedness and planning.
REC name
N/A
REC reference
N/A