Frustrated paramedics have called for the chief executive of the ambulance trust serving Dorset to quit in an open letter which says patients are being put at risk.

Members of trade union GMB have signed the letter, which says the South Western Ambulance Service Trust (SWASFT) is “failing to address major issues”.

The Dorset Echo has reported several cases this year where patients, mainly elderly people in severe pain, have been left waiting hours for an ambulance.

The ambulance service has had to prioritise cases due to a limited amount of resources available to respond to the ongoing rise in demand for services.

Paramedics represented by the union yesterday urged boss Ken Wenman to resign.

In their letter, they apologise to members of the communities they serve, writing: “Behind the professional facade we portray to the public, we are struggling to maintain a crumbling service.”

They also write: “We’re sorry for not getting to you or your loved ones quick enough because there are just not enough of us or we are called out to answer non-emergency calls.

“We’re sorry for the patient and family members that have been left on the floor for hours as a consequence of not getting to you on time. 

“We’re sorry when you remain in the ambulance or in the hospital corridor for hours when we are stacked at A&E’s because we can’t complete our hand over.

“We’re sorry that our employer is so poor in managing their resources that they are potentially putting your family at risk.”

Some of those who have signed the letter say they are suffering with PTSD. Others say they fear they will “not reach retirement age as a result of physical or psychological injury.”

Gary Palmer, GMB’s regional NHS campaign organiser, said staff are suffering “general despair and frustration”.

“The trust is failing to address major issues and the toll from not doing so is having an enormous effect upon increasing numbers of staff,” he said.

“Mr Wenman has clearly not only lost touch or interest with his employees and the service, but has now also lost their respect as well/ It’s time for the chief executive to stand down.”

Cheif executive of SWASFT Ken Wenman said: “Our staff are our most valuable asset. We simply cannot provide the critical care to our patients without them. We absolutely recognise the pressure that they are under and we are working hard with them and with Unison, the recognised union, to improve resource levels, to improve our response to our patients and to improve the health and wellbeing of our staff.”

He added: “We are proud of the way that we work closely with all union representatives on behalf of our staff, including GMB, and so it is disappointing that these comments have gone to the media, rather than to us here at the Trust, especially given the meetings that we have recently hosted with GMB representatives where such concerns could have been raised. We would urge the GMB to re-engage and talk to us directly.”

Trust chairman Tony Fox said: “Along with the rest of the NHS, ambulance services across the country are experiencing significant pressure. So it was particularly pleasing that in the last national staff survey, SWASFT had the best results across all ambulance trusts in the country for their engagement with staff, for the health and wellbeing of staff and for the resources available. We accept that there is always more to be done and we will continue to work closely with our colleagues and listen and respond to their needs.”