PLANS to create a single ambulance service for the south west are moving ahead.

If the deal is approved by the health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, then Great Western Ambulance Service, which covers Wiltshire, will be merged with South Western Ambulance Foundation Trust from February 1, 2013.

The new organisation would serve more than 5.3 million people and cover an area from Gloucester to Cornwall.

The merger will result in some job cuts but the trusts say front-line services will not be affected.

Great Western Ambulance service currently employs more than 1680 staff and the South Western Ambulance Trust – which has been awarded Foundation status for its sound performance – employs 2,200.

Ken Wenman, chief executive of both organisations, said: “The two trusts’ desire in October 2011 to create a partnership was based on a real confidence that it was in the best interests of patients, staff and taxpayers. Over the past year, the proposals – and accompanying business case – have rightly been subjected to rigorous scrutiny by a range of external bodies, as well as by the trusts’ boards.

“It is reassuring that at no stage of the process have there been any concerns that the partnership should not proceed and we are now looking forward to receiving final approval from the Secretary of State.

“Throughout this period, we have also sought to actively engage with the communities we serve and their representatives to update them on our plans and to reassure people that our commitment is to improve the care and service we provide to patients.

“A huge amount of work has been done – and continues to be done – by staff of both trusts to ensure a smooth integration. This has been achieved while focusing on continuing to meet all national performance standards and deliver excellent patient care. “I therefore welcome this opportunity to publicly acknowledge and thank all staff from both organisations for their commitment and dedication during what I know is an unsettling time.”