8.
8.1
MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE
In
reviewing the operational management structure, all Senior Ambulance Officers and Ambulance Officers in post at the time of the study were interviewed. Each of their responsibilities
as indicated in their job description was discussed and the actual composition of present workload was assessed in relation to these responsibilities. In addition to these semi-structured interviews, data on the number of men and the volume of activities to be managed were available from the general data gathered for this study.
8.2 in
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It is clear that the number of officers in post is relation to both the number of ambulancemen and the volume of operational activity. The ratio of operational officers to ambulancemen is over forty to one, and although international comparisons are not always relevant, this ratio is between three
and four times that which applies to most ambulance services in the UK. For a disciplined service this suggests an inadequate officer strength, and this is supported by the results of the interviews.
8.3
The duties currently being undertaken by officers do not closely correspond to their job descriptions. Most of their time is occupied with general administration and the preparation of routine management reports. These include staff reports, leave requests and other manpower-related reporting in addition to documentation related to stores, vehicles, fuel and premises, etc. This reporting is an officer responsibility and could only be supported to a limited extent by clerical assistance.
If more posts were created these duties would take up a more appropriate proportion of each officer's time and enable officers to more completely fulfil their other tasks, many of which are key responsibilities and require more attention.
8.4
monitoring of There is
Thus at present there is no systematic operations, except complaints investigation. insufficient capacity for supervision or spot checks to inspect the performance of crews. Liaison functions are performed in a responsive way rather than actively developed. Most Senior Officers are officebound as there are insufficient Ambulance Officers to whom reporting tasks can be delegated. At night, officer cover has recently been introduced into three depots for the first time. The operational duties, on the job supervision and inspections which can be conducted during the night shift are thus severely restricted, although over 200 ambulancemen are ΟΥΙ duty and there are an average of approximately 230 emergency and urgent calls during each night shift. Other officer duties night shifts which would benefit from an increase in officer strength include security and the management of depot premises, the maintenance of discipline, welfare and ensuring the readiness of crews and vehicles.
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