Streeting urges CEOs to shave seconds off waiting times

Ambulance chiefs have been urged to shave a few seconds off response times in the next three weeks as they are said to be within reach of the government’s key recovery target for the sector, HSJ has learned.

Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting told ambulance trust leaders on Monday that just a few seconds’ improvement could mean the target for category 2 calls – which include suspected heart attacks and strokes – could be met for 2025-26 overall.

Ambulance trust leaders confirmed to HSJ that a small improvement across England in the coming weeks – including some trusts which remain well below 30m – could make the difference between success and failure.

One source, speaking to HSJ, characterised the message from Mr Streeting as “shave two seconds off your average time and we will get there”. But another added that it was important to do the right thing for each patient, even if it took slightly more time.

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Source: HSJ, 11 March 2026