The Care Quality Commission
  • Ambulance service

Archived: Southern Country Ambulance Service

Highways House, Micheldever, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 3DW

Provided and run by:
Mr. James Ball

Important: This service is now registered at a different address - see new profile

All Inspections

11 December 2013

During a routine inspection

We were not able to talk with people using the ambulance service as they did not visit the base. Southern Country Ambulance Service transported patients between hospitals or between people's homes and hospital.

When patients were transported the service obtained information about patients specific needs and staff completed records of the care provided during the journey. This demonstrated staff used the information they received to provide the care patients needed during their journey.

Vehicles were appropriately equipped and maintained. Procedures were in place to ensure equipment was checked and replaced as necessary and medical gases were stored securely. Procedures were followed to ensure the vehicles and equipment were clean and safe from the risk of infection.

Only suitably qualified staff were employed who had the necessary skills and qualifications to support patients. There were procedures in place to respond appropriately to any complaints.

20 February 2013

During a routine inspection

We were not able to talk with people using the ambulance service as they did not visit the base, and the majority of the work this service did was transporting people from hospital to their home or between hospitals. We saw feedback from people who had used the service and their relatives. This was positive and demonstrated that people had been treated in a manner that maintained their privacy and dignity.

People's needs were assessed and care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with their individual care plan.

There were effective systems in place to reduce the risk and spread of infection. We saw that the vehicles and the equipment in them were clean. Appropriate checks were undertaken before staff worked for the provider. People were protected from the risks of unsafe or inappropriate care and treatment because accurate and appropriate records were maintained.