South Western Ambulance Service rated good by CQC following inspections
Two services received outstanding ratings for caring
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated several services of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) as good following inspections that took place between April and July this year.
The services inspected include Emergency and Urgent Care, Emergency Operations Centres, Resilience, Urgent Care, and Patient Transport Services.
The Emergency Operations Centres located in Bristol and Exeter and the Emergency and Urgent Care services received an outstanding rating for their caring approach.
Dr John Martin, Chief Executive of SWASFT, expressed gratitude towards the staff, highlighting their hard work, compassion, and commitment throughout the inspections.
Dr Martin said: "I would like to thank our people for this fantastic achievement, especially those who supported the inspections. Their hard work, compassion and commitment was evident throughout."
He also noted the significance of the improvement shown by the Trust, particularly considering the CQC has changed its assessment and rating criteria since 2018, with increased emphasis on evidence and quality improvement.
Dr Martin added: "There is still work to do, and the CQC feedback will help us continue to learn and improve. But for now, there is plenty to be proud of."
The Trust's overall rating remains good, with the well-led part of the inspection expected this Autumn.