South West residents are invited to hear about the region's ambulance service's plans for the future at its annual members' meeting.

The meeting, which will take place on Wednesday, September 18, will also provide an opportunity to celebrate the work of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust's (SWASFT) teams.

The event will be held at Monks Yard in Ilminster, Somerset, from 10am to 11.30am.

Members of the trust include the public, staff, volunteers, and wider stakeholders, all of whom will be able to ask questions about the service and learn more about its work over the past year.

The trust said by attending the meeting, people will be contributing to the transparency and accountability of the trust, while gaining insight into the latest developments, future plans, and innovations within the ambulance service.

The meeting will feature a presentation of the annual report and accounts for 2023/24, a review of the trust's successes and challenges, and a celebration of the achievements and impact of its people and volunteers.

The trust's council of governors will also be recognised for their work, and the trust's areas of focus for 2024/25 will be outlined.

Richard Crompton, trust chair at SWASFT, said: "We are pleased to welcome our members and the public to this year’s annual members' meeting.

"This is a vital opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the past year, discuss the challenges we have faced, and outline our vision for the future.

"As we continue to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape, we remain committed to delivering high-quality emergency care and ensuring the resilience of our services through strong business continuity and emergency preparedness strategies.

"The dedication of our staff and the support of our community remain the cornerstone of our mission to provide safe and effective care for all."

The meeting will also include free training on how to perform CPR, provided by SWASFT staff.

Due to the venue’s capacity, the trust has asked those wishing to attend in person to inform it in advance, along with any dietary requirements, so parking and a seat can be reserved.

This can be done by emailing corporate.meeting@swast.nhs.uk.

Those unable to attend in person can join the meeting online via Microsoft Teams.

For those wanting to join the meeting via teams, a link has been provided on the SWASFT website.