Archived: Pro Medicus

Updated 4 February 2016

Pro Medicus is an independent ambulance service providing patient transport services and ambulance work for events, on both a regular and occasional basis. Pro Medicus is based in Hertfordshire.

The Registered Manager is Stephen Burton who is also the company director. Stephen Burton has been Registered Manager since the organisation began in 2011.

We undertook the inspection following the suspension of the service on 16 September 2015.

We inspected, but have not rated, elements of three of the five core standards including, safety, effectiveness and well-led.

Updated 4 February 2016

We carried out a focused unannounced inspection to review the service’s arrangements for the safe transport and treatment of patients following the suspension of their service. As this was a focused inspection, we did not inspect every key line of enquiry under the five key questions.

Are services safe at this service

Equipment was serviced and calibrated to ensure its safety and accuracy. A robust system for the storage of disposable items was in place with regular stock and expiration date checks. Mandatory training was carried out in line with the provider’s policy by all staff employed. Policies and procedures had been implemented to ensure staff were aware of responsibilities in relation to safeguarding. Information relating to local authority contact details were accessible to staff to ensure timely referrals if required. Medicines were stored appropriately and securely with only necessary staff being able to access them. Systems were in place to monitor the administration and disposal of medicines. Fire safety equipment was in place and staff were aware of the correct procedure in the event of a fire.

Are services effective at this service

Appraisal systems were now in place for all staff. An induction process and policy had been introduced to ensure new staff were aware of policies and procedures and possessed the required skills prior to beginning their role with patients.

Are services caring at this service

This was a focused inspection and we did not consider this as part of the inspection.

Are services responsive at this service

This was a focused inspection and we did not consider this as part of the inspection.

Are services well led at this service

A range of policies and procedures had been introduced by the provider to ensure safe working practices were in place. Staff were aware of these polices and where to locate them if needed. Governance arrangement to monitor and ensure quality had been introduced; sustainability relating to these was discussed with the management team.

Recruitment procedures were appropriate and staff files contained necessary information to ensure they were competent and suitable for their role and that all necessary pre-employment checks had been carried out.

The provider had made significant improvements to the service regarding governance processes, risk management, patient safety and the quality of care and treatment to be delivered.

Professor Sir Mike Richards

Chief Inspector of Hospitals

Updated 4 February 2016

Mandatory training had been carried out by all staff in line with the provider’s policy. Staff were encouraged to carry out further training where they wished to develop.

Systems were in place to ensure equipment and disposable items were safe and suitable for patient use.

There were appropriate systems in place for the storage, administration and disposal of medicines.

Fire safety procedures had been improved and staff knew what to do in the event of a fire.

Staff files were up to date and contained necessary documentation to ensure they were competent and suitable for their role. A policy was in place regarding pre-employment checks and was being followed.

Records were stored confidentially and out of hour’s provision for securing records had been put in place.

Risk management and quality assurance systems had been improved. Staff felt proud of improvements within the service and took ownership of tasks to sustain them.