The Care Quality Commission

Archived: Meditech UK Ambulance Service Ltd

The Ambulance Station, The Poplars, London Road, Wrotham, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 7RR (01732) 887430

Provided and run by:
Meditech UK Ambulance Service Limited

All Inspections

13 November 2012

During a routine inspection

We were not able to speak with people who had used the provider's transport due to the nature of the service. We were able to read some quality assurance questionnaires that had been given to people who had used the service in recent weeks. They showed that people were very satisfied. Comments that people had written included "Friendly, helpful and reassuring to the patient ", "Excellent standard, very good crew", "First class service, on time, everything was fine".

We found that the provider had good working relationships with other organisations and worked in cooperation with them. We telephoned two national health service transport managers that commissioned the service. They said they found the quality of the service to be of a very high standard. They said that the service was reliable and responsive and staff were professional, well trained and friendly. Their comments included "The service is absolutely fantastic" and " They are our number one provider".

We found that staff were well trained and supported and that recruitment processes were robust.

We found that policies and procedures were in place to make sure that staff provided people with safe care and treatment and that staff knew how to support people safely.

Records showed that the vehicles used to transport people were kept clean, in good working order and were well equipped.

16 November 2011

During an inspection in response to concerns

We spoke with a small number of people who had used the service. They told us that staff were always kind, caring and polite and understood how people preferred to be escorted to and from the ambulance. People said staff had seen them into them into their destination and made sure they were settled.

People told us that staff always wore uniforms and had name badges. People felt that the driving and service overall was safe.

A representative of an NHS trust that contracts with the service told us, 'Their work is always very acceptable and they have always looked into any issues, staff are very professional and their policies and procedures are up to date'.