The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) has strengthened its workforce by recruiting nearly 100 new staff as part of preparations for the busy winter months.
The announcement was made today (Tuesday, 11 November) by Health Secretary Neil Gray during a visit to the Service’s East Ambulance Control Centre in South Queensferry.
The new recruits include 25 call handlers based in ambulance control centres, as well as 22 clinicians including GPs, clinical advisors and advanced practitioners who have joined the Service’s Integrated Clinical Hub.
A further 12 scheduled care coordinators have been appointed to manage patient transport operations, alongside 36 new ambulance care assistants who will help patients get to hospital or clinic appointments.
Another 72 ambulance care assistants are expected to join the service by April 2026.
Michael Dickson, Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service, said the extra staff will make a real difference as demand rises through the colder months.
“Compared to last year, we’re already seeing an increase of pressure on our services,” he said.
“It’s therefore essential that we continue to bolster our workforce to ensure we can give the best possible service to our patients and also provide support to our existing staff during this demanding time.”
He also encouraged the public to make use of other NHS services when appropriate.
“To help our staff over winter, we’d like to remind the public that if you need urgent care, but it’s not life-threatening, you can call NHS 24 on 111, day or night, or visit your GP during opening hours,” he said.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said the new recruits will provide a vital boost to Scotland’s ambulance workforce as winter pressures grow.
“It was a pleasure to meet some of the new recruits and hardworking staff at the South Queensferry Control Centre,” he said.
“These new staff members will provide a crucial boost to the Scottish Ambulance Service as they deal with the increased demand and pressure that winter brings.”
Mr Gray also confirmed ongoing investment in paramedic recruitment across Scotland.
“This is on top of work already underway to recruit an additional 269 newly qualified paramedics this year,” he said.
“The additional call handlers and recruits to the Integrated Clinical Hub will all help to reduce conveyances and ensure patients are directed to the most appropriate care.
“The new staff working in the Hub will help triage less seriously ill patients who don’t need to go to A&E, freeing up ambulances and reducing pressure on emergency departments.”
The Scottish Ambulance Service continues to play a key role in NHS Scotland’s winter preparedness, supporting patients and easing strain on hospitals through better coordination, targeted recruitment, and community-focused care.
