This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Freedom of Information request 'LTN - Emergency Services'.


From:
Learner, Josh
To:
Crush, Alexandra
Subject:
FW: LB Lewisham COVID-19 mitigation measures - for comment 1 of 2
Date:
24 June 2020 08:44:04
Attachments:
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Joshua-Edwards-2018-0335 Redacted.pdf
FYI – response to COVID measures in Lee Green.
From: 
 
Sent: 23 June 2020 14:39
To: Learner, Josh
Cc: 
Subject: RE: LB Lewisham COVID-19 mitigation measures - for comment 1 of 2
Hi Josh
I have had a look at the proposed maps and plans of the restrictions and have a number of points that
need to be raised;
· The coffin bollards that are planned these cannot be locked, as previously communicated, ambulance
vehicles or staff do not carry any sort of keys for these devices, in addition the delay caused by
stopping and having to physically lower these bollards can be detrimental to patient safety,
especially if some has stopped breathing or bleeding heavily. Operationally we have 500+ vehicles
operational at any point during the day and any of these vehicles could be dispatched to the call if
they are the nearest or specialist response making keys a logistical nightmare.
· All signage both on street level and on the road should make it clear that access is for emergency
vehicles as well as buses/cycles etc.
· Concerns that the closure of numerous side roads from Manor Lane would create significant delays
diverting around the closures if the South Circular and A20 are heavily congested.
· The proposed narrowing of Burnt Ash Lane would not create cross Borough delays for crews when
responding to calls and conveying patients to hospital, as the aim of these schemes is to navigate
through traffic onto the already heavily congested trunk road network.
· Where roads only have one way in and out, sufficient turning space would be needed for ambulances
to turn around quickly which out mean enforcing parking bay closures or creating dedicated
turning areas in each side road effected so crews can make a swift egress from the scene of calls,
especially when they have a time critical patient. Things like overhanging trees and other
obstructions would need management to ensure an unhindered egress.
· Should an incident, like an road traffic accident, occur on one of these restricted road or roads with
closures on them further delays are like to occur as all traffic will be stuck trying to navigate the
closures.
· The existing barriers already create problems with crews responding to calls, further restrictions will
compound this issue.
· Crews conveying patients to Lewisham hospital from this area will be delayed due to restrictions and
use a number of these routes to navigate around the congested trunk roads in order to get
patients to hospital quickly. Restrictions are likely to increase the ambulance journey times and job


cycles meaning they will be unavailable longer before they can attend the next 999 call. We are not
commissioned to increase our ambulance cover as a result of additional road closures. This could
create delays in responding to 999 calls and ultimately patient safety.
· Other health and social care providers, not just emergency ambulances, use these routes to reach
their patients and clients have the schemes been shared with Lewisham Hospital, Local CCG and
social care/domiciliary care teams? ANPR enforcement may need to take these providers needs
into consideration also?
The use of ANPR cameras to issue PCN for unauthorised drivers seems to a very positive step and best way
to keep roads from be obstructed, which I am glad to be seen in these plans. Would there be any
consideration to expending these to include the other roads that are planned to have the bollards fitted to
prevent delays and the key issue?
Things that need to be considered when planning projects;
It is not acceptable to delay the ambulances reaching address or 999 calls within a restricted traffic
area, as any delay could result in death or permanent injury to a patient. HM Coroner has issued
prevent future death notices regarding these issues previously, so any scheme must easily allow
emergency vehicle access at all times during operation. I have attached the PFD notice from the
Leeds Head Coroner.
An obstruction of emergency services could also be considered as obstruction under the Emergency
Workers (Obstruction) Act 2006. So measures must be put in place to ensure equal access to all
services.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/39/section/1
Another point is that on the web link it states response times for emergency services have improved due
these measures, I would be very interested to discover this data was sourced from?
Happy to discuss any of the concerns further.
Thank you sending the details across.
Kind Regards
Respectful | Professional | Innovative | Collaborative
From: Learner, Josh [mailto:xxxx.xxxxxxx@xxxxxxxx.xxx.xx ] 
Sent: 23 June 2020 13:50
To: 
 
Subject: RE: LB Lewisham COVID-19 mitigation measures - for comment 1 of 2
Hi 
I’ll have to do in two separate batches then.
From: 
 
Sent: 23 June 2020 13:48
To: Learner, Josh
Subject: RE: LB Lewisham COVID-19 mitigation measures - for comment
Hi Josh
I hope you are well; I have not received any plans, the emails have come through but no attachments or
plans?
Apologies



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