EMED Sussex

This means we looked for evidence that people were protected from abuse and avoidable harm.

We assessed all quality statements.

This is the first assessment for this newly registered service.

This key question has been rated requires improvement. This meant some aspects of the service were not always safe and there was limited assurance about safety. There was an increased risk that people could be harmed.

We looked for evidence that safety was a priority for everyone, and leaders embedded a culture of openness and collaboration. We checked that people were safe from bullying, harassment, avoidable harm, neglect, abuse and discrimination.

The service did not consistently manage capacity, planning, and scheduling. This sometimes resulted in avoidable delays, cancellations, aborted journeys, and increased risks to patient safety for people with time‑critical needs. Patients were assessed at booking to determine suitability to travel by car but there was no clear process to review this when needs changed. This created a gap in assurance and a risk that transport decisions did not reflect patients’ current clinical needs or safety.

Staff did not always identify, grade or report patient safety incidents appropriately. They did not consistently recognise time‑critical delays and incidents involving psychological harm.

Mandatory training compliance was below target, which leaders attributed to the staff transferred under the TUPE process and delays in validating training records.

However, staff followed infection prevention and control procedures, and vehicles and equipment were generally well maintained, clean and fit for use. The service had systems and policies to support safe practice, which were in-date and appropriately referenced.

Staff knew how to recognise safeguarding concerns and took appropriate action. They made timely referrals and accessed safeguarding support when needed to help keep people safe. Staff managed medicines and oxygen safely, supported by clear policies, defined competencies and secure storage. Staff stored hazardous materials safely. We found a breach in safe care and treatment.