Ambulance Firm To Terminate Contract

The company that provides non-emergency patient transport ambulances in Northamptonshire is terminating its contract with the NHS there.

No reason for the decision has been given by Thames Ambulance Service (TASL), which had to contract until 2022, although the firm says it will ensure a smooth transition to the new provider, East Midlands Ambulance Service, who are set to take over the contract in December.

TASL, which has suffered criticism for its performance since taking over the service in Northamptonshire in 2017,  will continue providing the patient transport service in Leicestershire.

A spokesman for Thames Ambulance Service told Hfm: “Following a series of transparent and constructive discussions between The Northamptonshire CCGs and Thames Ambulance Service Limited (TASL), TASL has instigated the contractual option to terminate its NEPTS contract (Non-Emergency Patient Transport Services) in Northamptonshire.

“We would like to reassure patients and their families that continuity of service and a smooth transition between providers is our highest priority.

A statement issued on behalf of West Leicestershire, East Leicestershire and Rutland and Leicester City Clinical Commissioning Groups said:  “We don’t have any plans to terminate the contract with TASL and bring in a replacement provider.  We have worked with TASL to improve services over the last few months and will continue to do so.  TASL has arrangements in place to monitor patient experience and this one of the ways we track performance of the service.