The North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust has launched a new five-year strategy aimed at improving patient care and tackling health inequalities in communities like Kirkby. The plan, which was introduced on 11 May 2026, marks the organisation’s 20th anniversary and sets out goals for the service through 2031.
As part of the initiative, residents in Kirkby may see changes to how local emergency and urgent care services are delivered. The strategy focuses on modernising care through a greater use of digital tools, an increase in virtual consultations, and a shift toward treating more patients closer to their homes when it is safe to do so. These changes are intended to provide more personalised support, particularly for those in areas facing significant health challenges.
Tackling health inequality is a central theme of the five-year plan. The new strategy includes targeted support for individuals who are most at risk, including those living in deprived areas, people with learning disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness. This is particularly relevant for Kirkby, where data indicates that a high proportion of neighbourhoods face challenges related to health and disability.
Chief Executive Salman Desai, who began his career as a student paramedic in 1997, emphasised that the plan was shaped by feedback from both patients and staff. The organisation, which supports a workforce of more than 7,500 staff and 1,200 volunteers, aims to ensure that services are more joined-up and compassionate. The strategy also seeks to give the public a stronger voice in how emergency services are designed and delivered across the region.
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