Ambulances to be installed with ‘hi-tech’ radio

From the start of 2007, all NHS Ambulance Trusts are to install modern radio systems, the Department of Health has announced.

These systems will enable ambulance radio systems to interoperate with those of the police and fire service. It will also improve radio coverage in rural areas, reduce the risk of radio interference with medical equipment.

Additionally, the new service will provide enhanced security compared with the existing radio system. The department will begin the deployment of the system in 2007 and aims to complete its roll-out by September 2008.

This radio equipment will be provided by Sepura, who will supply ambulances with more than 18,000 Tetra radio terminals. These terminals will operate on the 02/Airwave network.

Lord Warner, health minister, said: “Digital technology means a more secure system, with less interference and improved interoperability between trusts and the other emergency services.”

He added that the introduction of the new service would result in the provision of better patient care.

The Daily Telegraph reports that these plans to modernise the radio system follows difficulties in the communication systems in the immediate aftermath of the bombings of London in July 2005, where emergency staff needed to use their personal mobile telephones to get in contact with colleagues.