In reply to the GSD’s recent statement regarding the Gibraltar Ambulance Service, Minister Gemma Arias-Vasquez has given an update on the new Ambulance Station, fleet investment and staffing levels.

A statement from the Government follows below:

The Minister for Health, Care and Business, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, has responded to claims made by the GSD regarding the Gibraltar Ambulance Service, providing a factual update on the new Ambulance Station, fleet investment and staffing levels.

The Government can confirm that the new Ambulance Station is expected to be operational within the next six months. Plans have already been shared with members of staff and their respective Unions, who have confirmed they are happy with the plans. Progress on site is continuing with the Gibraltar Cardiac Association already having been successfully relocated to a temporary location.

Ambulance Service staff are scheduled to move into the new area this week, weather permitting.

Once that relocation has taken place, the removal of the existing old portacabins will begin shortly thereafter.

In relation to fleet investment, since 2011 a total of 13 ambulances have been purchased. These comprise six emergency ambulances, four transport ambulances, two rapid response vehicles and one high dependency unit ambulance, representing sustained and unprecedented investment in frontline emergency response capability.

Minister Arias-Vasquez also confirmed that the Gibraltar Ambulance Service now operates under a formal ambulance maintenance contract, putting in place long-term arrangements to support the reliability and operational readiness of the fleet.

On staffing, the Minister confirmed that the Gibraltar Ambulance Service has seen a significant expansion over the last decade. In 2011/12, the total establishment stood at 34. For 2025/26, this has increased to 56. This growth includes the introduction of new leadership, clinical and educational roles, an increase in paramedic and station officer posts, and strengthened support staffing to meet rising service demands.

Minister Arias-Vasquez also acknowledges that further investments are always needed in this area since, as with all healthcare, investment and improvement programmes are continuous.

It is also clear that the GSD’s commentary stands in sharp contrast to its own record in government. Under the GSD, Ambulance Service staff were left without proper facilities and were at times required to sit and take breaks within the A&E department and even in patient waiting areas. When staff raised concerns and took union action, the response was not engagement or support, but the involvement of the police following industrial action outside the hospital.

The Minister for Health, Care and Business, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez MP, said: “This Government has invested consistently in the Ambulance Service, in infrastructure, vehicles, maintenance and staffing and in the 111/999 service.

“The new Ambulance Station is progressing, the fleet has been modernised, a long-term maintenance contract is now in place, and the Service has grown significantly since 2011. These are measurable improvements that directly support patient safety and operational resilience.

“I also want to place on record my sincere thanks to the incredible men and women of the Gibraltar Ambulance Service, who workday in, day out, often under immense pressure, to keep our community safe. This Government will continue to support them with the facilities, equipment and staffing they deserve.

“We will continue to focus on delivery and on strengthening essential services.”