Skip to main contentEnter
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

New £12.8m ambulance hub takes shape in Ipswich

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

A steel signing ceremony has marked a key milestone in the construction of a new £12.8m ambulance hub in Ipswich, which will help keep more emergency vehicles on the road.

Why it matters: The state-of-the-art facility at Ransome Park will replace the outdated site on Woodbridge Road East, providing modern facilities for 100 ambulance staff and space for 29 emergency vehicles.

The big picture: The hub represents a significant investment in Ipswich's emergency healthcare infrastructure:

  • It will house a 24/7 make-ready and workshop service

  • Staff will benefit from dedicated welfare spaces, including quiet areas and a wellbeing garden

  • A two-storey car park will provide 78 parking spaces, with potential for future expansion

Steel signing ceremony at the new Ipswich ambulance hub
Steel signing ceremony at the new Ipswich ambulance hubEEAST

By the numbers:

  • Total cost: £12.81m

  • Department of Health funding: £10m

  • East of England Ambulance Service contribution: £2.81m

What they're saying: "The hub will help deliver better outcomes for patients here in Ipswich, helping to slash local waiting times," says Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich and the Government's East of England Mission Champion.

Neill Moloney, Chief Executive of the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST), adds: "This state-of-the-art hub will provide a modern base for our people and focus on their wellbeing, as well as ensuring we are keeping more vehicles on the road."

What's next: Following planning approval in April 2024, the hub is scheduled to open in September 2025.

The bottom line: The new facility promises to modernise ambulance services in Ipswich, with a focus on maintaining vehicle availability and supporting staff wellbeing.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

Ipswich's only free and independent news publication

Support our journalism

We can't do this without you! Unlike the Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich.co.uk has no banner advertising and no wealthy US corporate owners.

So, if you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for a better Ipswich, please consider contributing just £24 per year.

Every penny matters and allows us to keep producing good quality local journalism that respects your time, attention and privacy.

Become a supporter

Theatre project transforms lives through art

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Participants have praised the life-changing impact of a creative wellbeing programme at Ipswich's New Wolsey Theatre, designed to support people with multiple health conditions.

Why it matters: With long-term health conditions predicted to affect 68% of people by 2035, innovative approaches to supporting wellbeing and reducing health inequalities are becoming increasingly vital.

Tell Your Story exhibition at New Wolsey Theatre
Tell Your Story exhibition at New Wolsey TheatrePolly AldertonNew Wolsey Theatre

The big picture: Tell Your Story, produced by New Wolsey Theatre's Creative Communities team and funded by NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, brings together people with multiple health conditions in a supportive environment to develop skills in photography, animation and creative writing.

What they're saying: "This programme has been confidence building. It's a really lovely way of bringing people together in a safe space. The gentle introductions, and support and help of the team, makes you feel accepted and part of a little family," one participant said.

By the numbers:

  • 12 workshops led by photographer Gillian Allard and writer Dean Parkin

  • 30% of people currently live with a long-term condition

  • 70% of all health and care spending goes to long-term conditions

What's happening: A free exhibition showcasing participants' work is running in the theatre's lounge area until Monday, 17 February.

The bottom line: Tell Your Story demonstrates how creative expression can improve wellbeing, resilience and sense of agency for people living with long-term health conditions.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Load next article