The Care Quality Commission
  • Ambulance service

Archived: EMS (Eton Wick)

24 Victoria Road, Eton Wick, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 6LY (01256) 889990

Provided and run by:
European Medical Services Limited

Important: This service is now registered at a different address - see new profile

All Inspections

17 February 2014

During a routine inspection

We spoke with two people who regularly use the service. One was a patient receiving services and the other was a relative of someone who uses the service. They were both complementary about the professionalism of staff. A patient commented, 'They provide excellent care. They are always on time and provide me with a reliable service.' A relative said, 'I can't fault them. The staff are always professional and kind. X knows all of the staff they send, they are very good. I would recommend them.'

We also spoke with an NHS service that contracts EMS to provide non-emergency transportation services for NHS patients to and from hospital. They told us that the service was professional and well-led. They said staff were well trained and competent.

We saw the service kept clear, comprehensive records of peoples' care and treatment. They were well kept and provided an accurate record of how patients were treated and/or transported.

The service also provided first aid services at events. The service worked closely with NHS ambulance services to ensure the health, safety and welfare of patients. If people refused treatment they were asked to sign a disclaimer.

Staff were aware of safeguarding procedures and had received appropriate training to safeguard adults and children from risk of harm.

The service had an appropriate complaints procedure and policy in place. However, no complaints had been received about the service in the past year.

6 March 2013

During a routine inspection

We spoke with five people by telephone who told us they regularly use the services provided by EMS. They were complimentary about the quality of services provided and the professionalism and courtesy of staff. They told us the service was provided in a timely way by "very good, experienced and caring staff". One person said "We use them a lot, they are totally reliable". Another said, "We use them at our equestrian events, they are very professional and well-equipped". They said "The paramedics and doctors provided are brilliant".

We found the provider met the outcomes we inspected and had systems in place to monitor their own compliance. We found staff were aware of the need to maintain patient's dignity whilst they were receiving treatment. Patients were offered appropriate choices in relation to their care and their health needs were monitored and recorded. Staff were aware of, and had received training in, equality and diversity. We saw the services ambulances were fully equipped to deal with medical emergencies. There was oxygen and suction equipment on board. Appropriate infection control measures were in place to protect patients, staff and the general public from risks to their health and safety.