The Care Quality Commission
  • Ambulance service

Archived: East Division Headquarters

241 Ringwood Road, Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 2RR (01202) 851640

Provided and run by:
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

Important: We are carrying out a review of quality at East Division Headquarters. We will publish a report when our review is complete. Find out more about our inspection reports.

All Inspections

22, 23, 24, 25 January 2013

During a routine inspection

People who used the ambulance service told us that staff had treated them with respect and promoted their privacy and dignity when giving them treatment. They told us that staff had obtained information about their needs and ensured that they were consulted, and kept informed, about their care. One person commented, "They listened to me...they were perfect" while another person said, "They understood. They explained everything. They were wonderful."

People told us they felt they had received the help they required from the ambulance service. They told us they felt safe while using the ambulance service and that staff had been kind and reassuring. They had confidence in staff and felt that staff understood their needs and knew how to support them. Staff received training and appraisal to ensure they were competent. Staff were aware of the organisation's policies in relation to safeguarding people from abuse and knew how to report any concerns about people's welfare.

We found that the trust had systems in place to ensure people received safe and effective treatment that met their needs. The trust carried out audits to ensure that risks to people's safety were identified promptly and plans were put in place to address them. Procedures were in place to investigate incidents and ensure that lessons learned were communicated to staff throughout the trust. This helped promote a safe and responsive service.