The operational area is predominantly rural but also has large urban centres including Bristol, Plymouth, Exeter, Truro, Bath, Swindon, Gloucester, Bournemouth and Poole.

[1] In addition there are around 3,200 volunteers including community first responders, BASICS doctors, fire service co-responders and patient transport drivers.

This means that when SWASFT takes a patient to an emergency department they are likely to be admitted, not simply treated and discharged, confirming that this is the right place for them to receive the care they need.

[8] From its control centre, SWASFT is able to deploy a number of charity-funded air ambulance services that operate within its area: The SWASFT vehicle fleet includes In May 2014, the trust won a contract to run a doctor-led minor injuries unit at Tiverton and District Hospital, Devon.

Patients do not need an appointment to visit the centre, which is open seven days a week and provides treatment for minor injuries and ailments.

[18] SWASFT ran the NHS 111 non-emergency phone service for Dorset, from a call centre at St Leonards.