The Care Quality Commission
  • Ambulance service

Archived: British Red Cross Sheffield

Unit 24, Jessops Riverside, 800 Brightside Lane, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S9 2RX (0114) 242 7370

Provided and run by:
British Red Cross Society

All Inspections

4 July 2014

During an inspection looking at part of the service

We did not talk with people who used the service on this inspection visit because we followed an outcome relating to documentation required for recruitment of volunteers. We found the provider had introduced changes to its recruitment processes for volunteer ambulance services and was now meeting this standard.

27 January 2014

During a routine inspection

Due to the nature of the service, we were unable to speak directly with patients who had been treated by the service. Evidence for our inspection was gained by reviewing patient records and other relevant documentation during our visit to the provider's office base. We also spoke with six staff at various levels within the organisation.

We found that patients' needs were assessed and that appropriate care and treatment was delivered. Staff were enthusiastic about the care and treatment they provided.

Patients were cared for in a clean environment and protected from the risk of infection.

There was sufficient equipment and it was safe and fit for purpose. We saw the equipment was well maintained.

An effective recruitment procedure was not in place as information specified in the regulations was not in place for staff, which may place patients at risk of being treated by unsuitable staff.

Systems were in place for patients to have their complaints listened to and acted on properly.

23 January 2013

During a routine inspection

Due to the nature of the service, we were unable to speak directly with people who had been treated by the service. Evidence for our inspection was gained by reviewing patient records and other relevant documentation during our visit to the provider’s office base. We spoke with some paid staff during our inspection visit and subsequently telephoned volunteers and organisations that had awarded contracts to the service.

We found that the service maintained and respected the dignity of patients. An organisation who regularly used the service told us that volunteers were polite and courteous when supporting patients.

Organisations that had used British Red Cross Sheffield were positive about the service. Our check of patient record forms evidenced that clear records were maintained. We also saw that patients’ needs were assessed and that appropriate care and treatment was delivered.

Our check of records and our conversations with paid staff and volunteers evidenced that safeguarding policies and training were in place. Volunteers were clear about the different types of abuse and the organisational reporting procedures.

Volunteers felt supported by the volunteer coordinator and could access advice and support if needed. We found that volunteers received sufficient training to enable them to carry out their role and maintain their skills.

We found that systems were in place to gather, record and evaluate the quality and safety of care provided.