The Care Quality Commission
  • Ambulance service

Archived: British Red Cross Grantham

22 Tollemache Road South, Spittlegate Level, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 7UH 0845 054 7171

Provided and run by:
British Red Cross Society

All Inspections

31 January 2014

During a routine inspection

Prior to our visit we reviewed all the information we had received from the provider. During the visit we spoke with the service manager, the quality assurance officer, the service coordinator and two volunteer ambulance crew members. We also looked at some of the records held at the service and visited three ambulances and an emergency response vehicle.

We found there were suitable systems in place to ensure patients received the treatment and care they required. We found there were arrangements to ensure patients who used the service were kept safe and protected from harm. Staff knew how to respond to any allegation of abuse. We found that suitable arrangements were in place to manage medication and ensure this was available if needed.

We found there were sufficient volunteer ambulance crews and first aiders to meet patients' needs and the provider assessed and monitored the quality of the service.

20 March 2013

During a routine inspection

We did not see any patients who used the service during our inspection so were unable to ask them for their views.

We spoke with 2 people who volunteer for the service and they both told us they felt supported and valued.

One person had been volunteering for 24 years and said 'I love it. I thoroughly enjoy what I do.' They told us 'The training is rigorous but really equips you to do the work. It takes three years to complete 7 modules, followed by exams. We then undertake refresher training every 3 years during which time we have to complete a minimum of 5 modules.'

Another person said 'The support I receive is excellent, more than excellent.' They went on to tell us 'This is the best thing I have ever done. I'm sure the public appreciate us as well as other professionals we work alongside. I've never heard anyone complain and have received many thanks and compliments.'