AN UNDER-FIRE ambulance service chief has called for unions to "re-engage" after "frustrated" paramedics called for him to quit.

Ken Wenman, chief executive of the South Western Ambulance Service Trust (SWASFT), said management "absolutely recognise" the difficulties staff face every day.

He spoke out after members of trade union GMB issued an open letter which said patients are 'potentially being put at risk'.

"Our staff are our most valuable asset. We simply cannot provide the critical care to our patients without them," Mr Wenman said.

He added: "We absolutely recognise the pressure [staff] are under and we are working hard with them and with Unison, the recognised union, to improve resource levels, to improve our response to our patients and to improve the health and wellbeing of our staff.

“We are proud of the way that we work closely with all union representatives on behalf of our staff, including GMB, and so it is disappointing that these comments have gone to the media, rather than to us here at the trust, especially given the meetings that we have recently hosted with GMB representatives where such concerns could have been raised.

"We would urge the GMB to re-engage and talk to us directly.”

In the open letter, GMB members apologise to the communities they serve, writing: "We’re sorry for not getting to you or your loved ones quick enough because there are just not enough of us or we are called out to answer non-emergency calls.

"We’re sorry for the patient and family members that have been left on the floor for hours as a consequence of not getting to you on time.

"We’re sorry when you remain in the ambulance or in the hospital corridor for hours when we are stacked at A&Es because we can’t complete our hand over.

"We’re sorry that our employer is so poor in managing their resources that they are potentially putting your family at risk."

Tony Fox, chairman of SWASFT, said: “Along with the rest of the NHS, ambulance services across the country are experiencing significant pressure. So it was particularly pleasing that in the last national staff survey, SWASFT had the best results across all ambulance trusts in the country for their engagement with staff, for the health and wellbeing of staff and for the resources available.

"We accept that there is always more to be done and we will continue to work closely with our colleagues and listen and respond to their needs.

"I would like to say thank you to all our people for the excellent job they do in difficult circumstances. I would also encourage everyone to take part in the latest staff survey as we really do want to hear from you so that we can act on your feedback.”