Ambulance hub in 'desperate' need of upgrade

An ambulance base is "not fit for purpose" according to an NHS trust, which says the centre is "in desperate need of investment".

South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) NHS Foundation Trust is seeking permission to upgrade its hub in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.

The centre, where ambulance crews and support staff are based along with the emergency vehicles, is on West End Street.

Andrew Field, the trust's head of estates and capital works, said: "The site, originally constructed in 1955 - over 70 years ago - is in a poor state of condition."

"Failure to make this investment is likely to have a negative impact on frontline operations," he added.

In April 2025, Wycombe MP Emma Reynolds said she had raised concerns with SCAS about the station's run-down vehicles and buildings following a visit.

There had been previous attempts by the NHS and Buckinghamshire Council to press ahead with a new ambulance base, but this was not feasible due to rising costs.

The current proposals would see two garages demolished and replaced with a single-storey building where ambulances would be prepared, cleaned and restocked.

A second phase would involve essential upgrades to the existing crew building, subject to a separate planning application once funding had been secured.

The trust said the changes would improve infection control, reduce the risk of accidents and contamination, and make the space more energy efficient.

It would also provide a more comfortable working environment for crews and offer more parking spaces, to reduce overspill onto nearby roads.

Field said: "The upgrades that form part of the planning application are critical to site security, operational capacity and efficiency and providing adequate welfare facilities."

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