East ambulance service ranked worst in England

Glen Carrington, the UNISON branch chair, said he was "upset, but not surprised," that the trust came last

The East of England Ambulance Service has been rated the worst-performing in the country in a new league table.

It was ranked last in the Ambulance Trust League Table, behind London, South Central and South Western ambulance trusts

The East of England Ambulance Service provides urgent medical treatment for people in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk.

The service said the assessment reflected "ongoing challenges" in its response times and long-standing cultural issues within the trust. Glen Carrington, UNISON branch chair, said ambulance staff felt "demoralised," and morale was at "rock bottom" following the results.

Neill Moloney, the chief executive, acknowledged the findings and said they particularly highlighted difficulties with Category 2 response times and cultural problems.

"But it also demonstrates our huge desire and ambition to improve," he added.

"We're absolutely committed to serving our patients. Over the past year, we've made real progress, driving down response times across the region and improving patient care.

"I am committed to working with our colleagues, partners and patients to address our cultural issues openly and collaboratively, and deliver safe, high-quality care for our patients."

The top three in the table were the North West, East Midlands and Yorkshire ambulance services.

Mr Carrington, who has worked in the ambulance service for 40 years, said he had noticed a decline in response times.

"I'm upset, but not surprised [the trust came last]," he said.

He hoped the trust could work with unions to improve.