The Department of Health has signed a contract with the O2 Airwave network to provide a new digital radio and communications system for NHS Ambulance Trusts in England. The contract is worth £390 million over the next 13 years.
Ambulance Trusts to go digital
is worth £390 million over the next 13 years. The new digital radio service will replace the existing analogue systems currently used by Ambulance Trusts. This means that Trusts will be equipped with a new communications system, improving quality, capacity and interoperability with other emergency services and each other.
Health Minister Lord Warner commented: “The ambulance service has made excellent improvements in patient care over the last few years. It is essential that ambulance crews have the best equipment to back them up. “This new digital system will provide a more reliable service and will help bring further improvements to patient care.”