The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated Transcare Secure Services- Birmingham, inadequate and placed it in special measures following an inspection in August.
Transcare Secure Services- Birmingham is an independent ambulance service operating in Birmingham and the Midlands area. The service transports adults and children over 14 years of age and those detained under the Mental Health Act (MHA) or Mental Capacity Act (MCA).
This was CQC’s first inspection of the service. Following the inspection, the service was rated inadequate overall, and for being safe, responsive, effective and well-led. CQC inspectors did not look at the area of caring on this occasion.
Due to the level of concerns found, inspectors took enforcement action in order to keep people safe. A notice of suspension was served to the provider on 25 August which expired on 30 September. This means they were unable to operate their services during this time and needed to make the necessary improvements by this deadline. A follow up inspection was carried out recently to check on improvements and this report will publish in due course.
Bernadette Hanney, CQC head of hospital inspection said:
“It was disappointing we had to take action as a result of the concerns found on this inspection, but it was necessary in order to ensure people receive safe care when using this service.
“CQC used its powers to immediately suspend the service’s registration to protect people, and to give the provider the opportunity to take the action to address our concerns.
“It’s concerning that mandatory training in key skills weren’t always provided to staff, and no proper checks were done to see if they had received suitable training in previous roles. For example, the service couldn’t demonstrate that staff had received training on how to recognise and report abuse.
“Safety wasn’t promoted in recruitment practice and there was no system in place to ensure recruitment checks had been completed prior to new staff starting their employment.
“In addition, the service didn’t always control infection risk well and we saw dirt, litter and crumbs on the ambulance chairs and floor. Ambulances should always be kept tidy and clean to keep people safe from infection.
“However, leaders were visible and approachable in the service for patients and staff. Staff felt respected, supported and valued and were focused on the needs of patients receiving care.
“We will continue to monitor the service closely and will return to check if the necessary improvements have been made. If we find this is not happening, we will not hesitate to take further action.”
The latest inspection found that:
- Assessments of the risks identified lacked detail and did not demonstrate how risks would be mitigated
- Systems to make sure staff were competent for their roles were ineffective
- It was not easy for people to give feedback and raise concerns about care received
- Safeguarding systems, processes and standard operating procedures were not effectively implemented to keep people safe.
However:
- The service provided care in a way to support local services in meeting the needs of local people and the communities served
- Staff understood how to respond to a patient at risk of deterioration
- Staff supported patients to make informed decisions about their care and treatment
- Staff considered patients’ food and drink requirements to meet their needs during a journey.