first4care

Updated 23 August 2023

First4care is operated by F4Control Limited and provides non-emergency patient transport services, such as between medical facilities and between hospital discharge units and patients’ homes. Most work is commissioned by Integrated Care Boards on behalf of NHS trusts and the service offers private transport on request.

The service has its head office in Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire and provides transport services across a wide geographic area, included Northants and Kettering, Derby, York, Peterborough, Northampton, and across East Anglia.

The service registered with us in September 2015 to provide the following regulated activity:

• Transport services, triage and medical advice provided remotely.

A registered manager was in post. Transport services are provided with a fleet of 38 vehicles equipped with facilities for safe moving and handling and are adapted to the requirements of each contract. The service operates approximately 3,900 journeys per month. The service typically operates 5 days per week, Monday to Friday, and had the operational capacity to provide weekend services on request.

We have not previously inspected this service.

Updated 23 August 2023

We have not previously rated this service. We rated it as good because:

• The service had enough staff to care for patients and keep them safe. Staff had training in key skills, understood how to protect patients from abuse, and managed safety well. The service controlled infection risk well. Staff assessed risks to patients, acted on them and kept good transport records. The service managed safety incidents well and learned lessons from them. Staff collected safety information and used it to improve the service.
• Staff provided good care. The service met agreed response times. Managers monitored the effectiveness of the service and made sure staff were competent. Staff worked well together for the benefit of patients.
• Staff treated patients with compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity, and took account of their individual needs. They provided emotional support to patients, families, and carers.
• The service planned care to meet the needs of people using the service and made it easy for people to give feedback. People could access the service when they needed it.
• Leaders ran services well using reliable information systems and supported staff to develop their skills. Staff understood the service’s vision and values, and how to apply them in their work. Staff felt respected, supported, and valued. They were focused on the needs of patients receiving care. Staff were clear about their roles and accountabilities. The service engaged well with patients, commissioners, and NHS managers to plan services and all staff were committed to improving services continually.

Updated 23 August 2023

We rated this service as good because it was safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well led.