Patients across the South East will benefit from more consistent, high-quality ambulance care.

South Central Ambulance Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service are joining to form the South Central and South East Ambulance Group, the first of its kind in England.

The new group model marks a proactive move to strengthen patient care, ensure sustainable services, and build a more resilient ambulance system across the region.

By working together more closely, the two services will be better placed to share expertise and resources, harness innovation, and invest in improvements that directly benefit patients.

Patients set to benefit as Ambulance Services join forces in first Group model.

placeholder image — Patients set to benefit as Ambulance Services join forces in first Group model.

“This is about levelling up care for every patient in the South East,” said David Eltringham, Chief Executive of South Central Ambulance Service.

“Demand on our services is rising, and this model gives us the ability to respond more consistently, use our resources more effectively, and make sure patients receive the same high standard of care wherever they live."

Simon Weldon, Chief Executive of South East Coast Ambulance Service added: “This is a forward-looking partnership designed around patients and our people.

“Together we can build stronger teams, provide better support for our staff, and ensure ambulance services across the South East are fit for the future."

Through the new group model, both Trusts will continue to operate independently, retaining the flexibility to meet the specific needs of their local communities, while collaborating on key priorities such as digital innovation, clinical best practice, and workforce development.

To strengthen alignment and ensure shared priorities are delivered effectively, the Group will introduce a shared leadership model, with a single Chief Executive and Chair supporting both Trusts.

This will enable greater strategic coordination while maintaining each organisation’s local accountability and identity.

The move is fully supported by NHS England (South East) and aligns with the NHS 10 Year Plan, ensuring ambulance services across the region remain safe, equitable, and financially sustainable.

Anne Eden, Regional Director for NHS England in the South East, said: "The proposed move to a group model for our region’s two main ambulance service providers is a real opportunity to improve care and access for our patients, while offering better value for money.

"A shared leadership model will ensure both services are fit for the future as the NHS continues to transform to deliver now and in years to come."

The transition to the new South Central and South East Ambulance Group will take place in phases from late 2025 through to 2027.

Responding to the announcement that South Central Ambulance Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service will come together to for a new group, UNISON South East regional secretary Maggi Ferncombe said: “Efforts to improve patient care and make ambulance services more resilient should always be a priority.

"But this mustn’t be at the expense of the staff who keep services running.

“Ambulance workers across the South East have faced years of intense pressure and growing demand. Any merger or new way of delivering ambulance care must protect jobs, pay, and conditions.

“Any changes must genuinely deliver a better service for staff and patients alike. It’s also vital ambulance workers and their unions are involved at every step of the way.”