East of England Ambulance Service criticised over limits on time spent at emergency calls
East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST) has been criticised for telling its staff to spend no longer than 42 minutes attending emergency calls.
The new guidance relates to category 2 incidents like epilepsy, burns, and strokes.
GMB Union has raised serious concerns about the issue, saying it has significant risks to patient safety and staff wellbeing.
Staff have told the union that if they spend 42 to 60 minutes at a scene, they are asked to justify this time to a manager.
And if they spend longer than 60 minutes, they could be stood down from active duty for a meeting with their manager.
Dr Simon Walsh, medical director at EEAST, said: “We want every patient to get the right care, first time and as quickly as possible. For those who need hospital treatment, getting them there safely and without delay is part of that care.”
The union alleges that those staff who regularly spend more than 60 minutes at a scene could be referred for a capability process.
A GMB member working for EEAST said: "It's an unrealistic expectation and having my performance evaluated based on something that can be out of my control is unfair. Patient care should be at the forefront of our role and not performance figures.
"This is just not feasible for most of our patients, we have become a largely primary care service, time and patience is often required. I am aware and try for 42 minutes but this should not be to the detriment of my patient.
"Knowing I'm being measured on those metrics is a stressor and potentially means I might not get the patient the right care but just the quickest."
EEAST has said its current target for average on-scene times at category 2 emergencies is 70 minutes for patients who are not taken to hospital. And in April, the average on-scene time for patients taken to hospital was 44 minutes and eight seconds.
GMB senior organiser Gavin Davies called the policy "absurd".
Dr Simon Walsh continued: “Like other UK ambulance services, we monitor average on-scene times to help deliver the best outcomes for patients, while also ensuring our crews are able to work effectively and respond to those in need.
“While our average on-scene times remain challenging compared to other ambulance services, we are seeing real progress thanks to the dedication of our crews and colleagues across the Trust.”