South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is in crisis mode after a nurse at Great Western Hospital confessed to using cocaine. The bombshell came amid an urgent investigation launched in October when serious concerns were raised by a colleague.

Four ambulance staff were immediately suspended for a “case review.” One female medic admitted to using the Class A drug. A SWASFT spokesperson said: “One colleague was identified as requiring additional support and is receiving help for mental and physical wellbeing. The others have been cleared to return to duty. The health and safety of our staff and patients is our top priority.”

Staff Morale Plummets as Scandals Mount

An anonymous ambulance worker revealed that the recent scandals are wrecking team spirit. “In September alone, three staff were arrested in two separate investigations,” the worker said. “Two face manslaughter charges, another was arrested for stalking and making threats to kill. It’s been a nightmare.”

About the drug case, they added: “One person admitted illicit drug use, but the others were ‘guilty by association’. We don’t condone these actions and don’t want to be tarred with the same brush. The medic involved has serious mental health issues. No patients or colleagues were ever at risk.”

Mental Health Crisis Hits Ambulance Service

The insider painted a grim picture. “Morale is dead. We’re working flat out and battling constant negative headlines.” They revealed a horrifying toll: four local paramedics lost to suicide in just 12 months, including two recently in Chippenham.

“The support system is failing us,” they warned. “More focus is placed on response times than our well-being. Paramedics are burning out and quitting after just four years. The days of a ‘job for life’ are gone.”

SWASFT faces a severe challenge in rebuilding trust and supporting its frontline heroes, who are battling mental health issues and intense scrutiny.