CONSTRUCTION work on a new ambulance hub in Rubery, one of two main Birmingham centres, is underway.

The purpose-built preparation and maintenance hub is being built at Hollymoor Point, Hollymoor Way, in the village.

The project is part of a multi-million pound modernisation of West Midlands Ambulance Service who are adopting the Make Ready system.

Each hub will have a team of dedicated Ambulance Fleet Assistants (AFAs) who will clean, stock and prepare ambulances in readiness for clinical staff.

The AFAs will deal with any fleet issues during the course of an ambulance crew’s shift, allowing a crew to continue with their vital work looking after patients.

Ambulances prepared at the hubs will disperse to 31 new community ambulance stations, from where they will respond to 999 calls.

The project is being done in conjunction with Hortons Estate Ltd.

Simon Lewis, from West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: “We are pleased to be working with Hortons in the development of our new vehicle preparation and maintenance hub in Rubery.

“The hub will operate 24/7 and will produce efficiencies that will enable the service to provide an even better level of patient care.”