Chloe Smith MP visits local ambulance service to thank dedicated 999 call handlers and dispatchers

She was joined by EEAST’s Chair, Mrunal Sisodia OBE, and was given a tour of the centre, which is one of three across the east of England where 999 calls for medical emergencies are answered.

In December 2023 alone, call handlers at Hellesdon answered over 48,500 999 calls.

EEAST are currently expanding the Hellesdon Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), to accommodate additional call handlers to answer the increasing number of 999 calls.

Chloe Smith MP said: “I was heartened to see the progress the Trust has made in improving ambulance services for constituents and the wider region.

“I pay tribute to this absolutely dedicated workforce including the call handlers and dispatchers that I met, and the wider team including the paramedics who give such care to patients. They all respond to emergency circumstances with great professionalism and compassion.

“As local MP for Hellesdon I do all I can to support the operations from this site and I am pleased that the government has invested in more staff to serve from here.”

Mrunal Sisodia OBE, EEAST’s Chair, said: “It was great to meet Chloe Smith MP at our Emergency Operations Centre in Hellesdon, to show her how our frontline staff are responding to emergency 999 calls every minute of every day.

“Our 999 call handlers are the first point of contact for people in need of medical attention, and our dispatchers ensure that ambulances get to those who need them.

“We spoke about our work to boost the capacity of our Hellesdon centre, so that we can accommodate the extra staff we are recruiting to meet patient demand as our calls increase. Once the works are completed, we will be able to accommodate 330 call handlers at Hellesdon.”

If you want a job that gives you the opportunity to make a difference, start your #CareerForLife with EEAST today. You can find out more about careers and volunteering opportunities at http://www.eastamb.nhs.uk/join-the-team.