EMAS has announced the introduction of a new ‘auto-clear’ process which will go live at 10:00am on Wednesday 7 May 2025. Under this system, ambulance crews will be automatically made available to respond to the next patient 15 minutes after hospital handover – unless they have proactively contacted EOC to request more time or have already cleared.

EMAS will be testing auto-clear tomorrow, Wednesday 30 April, for resources conveying to Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Kings Mill Hospital and Lincoln County Hospital.

The Trust says this change is aimed at helping meet national targets on post-handover times and improving Category 2 response performance. Meeting these targets is crucial to securing the full amount of additional investment from NHS England this year. EMAS has already seen some improvements in this area following previous changes, such as the introduction of the 12-minute reminder, which reportedly freed up over 3,000 hours of crew availability.

While we understand the pressures facing the service and the importance of national funding, GMB has concerns about how this new system will work in practice. We believe that applying a blanket 15-minute rule does not fully reflect the realities and pressures of frontline ambulance work. There is a risk that this could place added strain on already stretched crews, particularly if the process isn’t applied with flexibility and understanding.

GMB has made it clear to EMAS that we do not support this approach in its current form. However, we remain committed to working in partnership with the Trust to make sure staff are supported. We’ve been assured that exemptions will apply and that crews will be able to request additional time when needed – but it’s vital this is not just a tick-box process and that clinical and operational judgement are respected.

We will continue to engage with EMAS to monitor the impact of this change, and we urge any members with concerns or feedback to get in touch with their local GMB rep. It’s essential your voice is heard as these changes are rolled out. GMB will always stand up for the rights, safety and wellbeing of our members.