Marches Ambulance Service

This was our first assessment of Marches Ambulance Service. We rated well led both emergency and urgent care services and patient transport as good.

Managers and leaders were caring and compassionate and had the skills and abilities to run the service. Managers promoted a positive and supportive culture and valued staff. The service had a vision and strategy for what it wanted to achieve and appropriate plans to achieve it. Staff felt respected, supported and valued and were focused on the needs of patients receiving care.

The service promoted equality and diversity and provided opportunities for career development.

The service had an open culture where patients, their families and staff could raise concerns without fear. Staff at all levels were clear about their roles and accountabilities and had regular opportunities to meet and discuss the service.

There were appropriate systems to manage performance. Risks were identified and escalated, and actions were in place to reduce their impact.

Managers supported staff to develop their skills and take on more senior roles. There was a culture of continuous improvement.

Managers worked with the local community to deliver the best possible care and were receptive to new ideas.