138 "state-of-the-art" ambulances delivered to South Central area, including Hampshire, in the past year

The Double Crewed Ambulances (DCAs) have been sent out to NHS Trusts across England in a bid to boost frontline capacity and help paramedics respond to patients faster. A total of 1,141 were delivered between April 2025 and March 2026 with the majority replacing older vehicles to ensure there is less time off the roads for repairs.

Health Minister, Zubir Ahmed said: "The 138 new ambulances delivered to the South Central area are part of our mission to modernise the NHS fleet, ensuring our hardworking paramedics are equipped with all the tools they need to do their jobs safely and effectively, while ensuring patients receive the highest possible standard of care.

"Replacing older vehicles with state-of-the-art ambulances means we are not only improving reliability and reducing downtime, but crucially helping more crews stay on the road and respond to emergencies.

"These vehicles are equipped with the technology to better protect staff and support faster, more effective treatment. This is a vital step in ensuring the NHS can continue to deliver world-class care for patients when they need it most."

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The new ambulances were funded through a combination of national investment and local funding with the national total a record amount in a single year since records began.

Dr Fenella Wrigley, National Medical Adviser, Ambulance, NHSE said: “New and replacement ambulances are crucial in providing care for patients, whether taking care to the patient home or conveying a patient to an emergency department.

“Reliable, modern, well-equipped ambulances allow emergency teams can stay out on the road and do what they do best, responding to patients quickly and ensuring they get the care they need.”

The rollout was a collaboration between the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), NHSE and NHS ambulance services. The DHSC has said it has coincided with a significant improvement in performance despite record demand this winter, with category 2 response times, including for strokes and heart attacks quicker than they have been for a decade.

Anna Parry, Managing Director of the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) said: "For our crews, these vehicles make a tangible difference. The enhanced safety features and improved working environment support paramedics and other clinicians to deliver high quality care under intense pressure, and they help our people feel safer and better supported on shift.

"This level of investment is essential as ambulance services continue to face sustained demand. A modern, resilient fleet is fundamental to improving response times and ensuring patients receive timely, safe care wherever they are when it is needed. We welcome this record year of delivery and look forward to continued progress in strengthening ambulance services across the country."