New High-Tech Make Ready Centre Opens in Banstead
The South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) has unveiled its first new-build Make Ready Centre in Banstead, located at The Horseshoe on the site of its former headquarters.
State-of-the-Art Facility Boosts Ambulance Service
This new centre features a fleet workshop, advanced vehicle preparation systems, modern offices, and rest and wellbeing zones for staff.
SECAmb’s Make Ready Centres are run by specialist teams who clean, restock, and maintain ambulances — freeing up frontline paramedics to focus on patients. The Trust already runs nine of these centres, with Banstead following Brighton’s 2020 opening.
Crew members who used to start and end shifts at Epsom, leatherhead/" title="Leatherhead" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Leatherhead, Redhill, Dorking and Godstone stations will now use the Banstead centre instead.
Network of Response Posts Keeps Service Strong
The new Make Ready Centre is supported by Ambulance Community Response Posts (ACRPs) at current and additional sites, ensuring no drop in coverage across Surrey and neighbouring areas.
Some older ambulance stations — including Leatherhead, Redhill, Dorking, and Godstone — have been or are being sold for redevelopment. However, response posts continue at these locations or nearby spots to maintain service.
Redhill station remains a response post until at least 2023, while Leatherhead crews will relocate to a new post on Kingston Road this summer. Godstone crews operate from the fire station, with plans for a larger site ongoing. Oxted fire station will also host a new response post from autumn.
Staff Move Into New Centre This Week
Redhill ambulance staff began moving to the Banstead Make Ready Centre on Monday 16 May, with the rest following throughout the week in stages.
Paul Fisher, SECAmb Operating Unit Manager for Gatwick & Redhill, said: “It’s great to see the new centre becoming fully operational. The modern premises bring Surrey in line with how we operate across most of our region, including Gatwick. The public can be reassured our service remains strong with a network of response posts. Thanks to everyone involved—staff will soon make this place their new home.”
What Is a Make Ready Centre?
- Specialist teams deep-clean, restock, and maintain ambulances, reducing cross-infection risks.
- Frontline paramedics are freed up to spend more time treating patients.
- Vehicles stay on the road longer thanks to regular mechanical checks.
- Supported by a network of strategically placed Ambulance Community Response Posts.
- Crews respond from their usual towns but begin shifts at these new centres with fully prepped vehicles.
- Enhanced training and manager support boost staff performance and wellbeing.
