Paramedics have criticised the privatisation of non-emergency ambulances.

The transport service, which takes takes frail and ill patients to hospitals will be run by a firm called Medical Services from June 1. West Hertfordshire Primary Care Trust, and other trusts covering Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, chose to give the contract to the private firm over the East of England Ambulance Service, which wanted to keep the running of it in-house.

Rob Ashford, chief operating officer for the ambulance service in Hertfordshire, said: "We are deeply disappointed at losing the non-emergency services contract for Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire localities of the East of England Ambulance Service. We will endeavour to win back the tender in the near future.

"The non-emergency services are and have been vital in supporting their blue light colleagues during incidents such the Potters Bar and Hatfield Train disasters. And, most recently, during the high winds and severe snow during February, the support of the PTS team proved instrumental."

Borehamwood paramedic Jason Redman also criticised the decision, saying his previous work driving non-emergency ambulances helped him in his current role.

He said: "It gets you used to dealing with people. Some people are more ill than the people you deal with as a paramedic.

"I think it's a shame because in the event of a major incident it was extra resources we could use."

Roger D'Elia, representing the trusts, said: "The trust will now be able to focus its resources on continuing to provide emergency blue-light services which are among the best in the country.

"Medical Services has extensive experience of providing non-emergency patient transport and, when the contract begins in June, will be able to focus on providing high-quality services to those who rely on this valuable service."