Work starts on new 999 and NHS 111 centre for SECAmb

Building work has started on South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust’s (SECAmb’s) new multi-purpose ambulance, 999 and NHS 111 centre in Gillingham.

The development will include 999 and 111 call centre operations as well as a Make Ready Centre – the only one of its kind to bring all three functions together under one roof. The contractor, Westridge Construction, is now on site carrying out groundworks ahead of construction. The centre is expected to become fully operational in Autumn 2022.

SECAmb’s Make Ready vehicle preparation and maintenance system will occupy the two lower floors while staff currently based at the Trust’s East 999 Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Coxheath and trust NHS 111 staff, currently based in Ashford, Kent, will benefit from modern open-plan offices above. The system, which is already in place across much of its region, is a vehicle preparation system which sees specialist teams of staff employed to clean, restock and maintain the trust’s fleet.

Emma Williams, SECAmb executive director of Operations, said: “It’s really great that building work is now under way on this important development for SECAmb. Our current building at Coxheath is outdated and not adequate for our requirements. Having operations centres for 999 and 111 under one roof will ensure we further optimise functions between the services.

“The new centre provides us with greater capacity, means we can improve the ratio of 999 call taking across our two EOCs and will bring local recruitment opportunities for people across both 999 and 111 services. Not only is our Make Ready system more efficient but the new building will also provide staff with access to modern facilities for training. We understand any change has an impact on staff and we will continue to fully engage with everyone affected ahead of the move next year.”