Commission issue alert ahead of report into ambulance service

The NHS Trust operating Kent’s ambulances has been hit with a warning notice ahead of what is expected to be a damning report by health regulators.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) took the unusual step to issue the alert after “immediate concerns” were highlighted following an inspection of the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAMB) in May.

SECAMB bosses – who have admitted “serious failings” – have now been given until September 10 to address the issues, with the report expected to be published at the end of August.

The warning comes less than a month after the service apologised for delays in reaching patients as it struggled to cope with a high volume of calls.

A number of areas of concern have been highlighted, with inspectors criticising how procedures to prevent abuse of patients are implemented and the time taken to answer and deal with NHS 111 calls.

The CQC also warns that equipment is not properly maintained and secured and calls for more

‘We will ensure the public are provided with an update on the progress made’

staff to be employed for patient care.

Last month a union boss demanded SECAMB was subject to a government inquiry following more damning allegations about the service.

SECAMB said it has already started to address the issues highlighted by the CQC.

Geraint Davies, acting chief executive of SECAMB, said: “The trust is sorry for not providing the service that the communities we serve should expect and deserve.

“Along with the rest of the trust’s executive team, our priority now is to focus on addressing the issues the CQC has highlighted.

“We know there is a lot the trust needs to do to improve compliance with a number of sys- tems and processes to ensure the safety of our patients.

“Following the inspection, we have been working hard to address the issues raised and will continue to do so over the coming months. My aim is to restore public confidence and faith in our service.”

Sir Peter Dixon, SECAMB’S interim chairman, said: “There have been some serious failings, which we will need to address quickly.

“When the full CQC report is published, we will ensure the public are provided with an update on the progress made.”