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57
AMBULANCE SERVICE
A. L. Hill, M.B.E.,
Chief Ambulance Officer
During the year the Service was called upon to deal with
130,391 patients which necessitated 54,420 journeys and a mileage
of 446,166.
Compared with 1962 these figures show an increase of 5,060
patients (4%), 20,211 miles (5%) and 1,095 journeys (2%).
There were 17,007 patients conveyed to places outside the
Borough, and on these journeys 147,141 miles were travelled
which shows an increase of 1,520 patients and 21,265 miles.
The number of patients admitted to Hospitals and Nursing
Homes was 9,906 compared with 9,352 the previous year.
Apart from the first quarter of the year when snow and ice
restricted the Service, the work has steadily increased particularly
from October when the mileage showed an increase of 14, 757
compared with the last quarter of 1962, and there is every
indication that this will continue during 1964.
Accident Calls were higher than 1962 showing a 17% increase
which at times caused difficulties with the General Health
Service transport. Street Accidents accounted for the majority
of this increase.
Transport requests for patients to attend Hospitals out of
the Borough again rose and with traffic congestion in London
vehicles were delayed.
A total of 952 days sickness was recorded compared with 808
during 1962. Eight Driver¬attendants resigned and replacements
were employed and trained.
A team was again entered for the Chief Ambulance Officers'
Association Regional First Aid Competition held at Battersea
Park and were placed third out of fifteen teams entered.
The new Garage at Headquarters Station was completed allowing
efficient parking of vehicles at night and weekends. Alterations
were made to the Control Room and Offices in the administrative
block which have proved satisfactory.
For details of journeys, patients, mileage etc. see the App-
endix, page 132.