The service said the investment will help crews reach patients faster
West Midlands Ambulance service is set to get 23 new ambulances in 2026 to help reach patients faster(Image: CoventryLive)
Patients across the West Midlands are poised to benefit from a multi-million pound investment that will increase the number of ambulances on the frontline by 5%, enabling crews to reach patients more quickly and deliver lifesaving care when it is most critical.
The additional funding from the Department of Health and Social Care will see the Trust’s frontline fleet grow by 23 to 500 vehicles.
In addition to the diesel ambulances, the Trust will also receive eight fully electric ambulances by the end of March.
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The expansion forms part of a wider investment that will see 142 vehicles added to the fleet by the end of March 2026. Of these, 87 have already been delivered and are supporting communities across the West Midlands.
Alongside increasing capacity, the investment also supports WMAS’s commitment to sustainability. West Midlands Ambulance Service operates one of the most modern ambulance fleets in the UK.
The additional vehicles support the Trust’s long-standing five-year replacement cycle for frontline ambulances, helping crews have access to reliable, modern vehicles equipped to provide high-quality patient care.
WMAS was the first ambulance service in the country to trial electric ambulances in 2020.
Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Marsh, said: “This investment means more ambulances on the road, more capacity for our crews and faster help for patients when they need us most.
“Every vehicle plays a part in saving lives, and increasing our fleet strengthens our ability to respond to emergencies across the West Midlands.
“We’re also proud to continue investing in modern and electric vehicles, supporting both our staff and our commitment to a greener NHS.”
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