Therese has expressed her deep disappointment on behalf of patients after the East of England Ambulance Service was rated as ‘Requires Improvement’ in the latest inspection by the Care Quality Commission.
Although there have been some improvements since the last check-up in March 2018, the Trust still requires improvement overall, especially in relation to whether its services are safe and effective.
Therese said: “This is deeply disappointing news. The East of England Ambulance Service has been underperforming for several years. Whilst some progress has been made to improve services, I am really concerned on behalf of patients that the Trust is failing to get a grip on response times and safety for patients. Whilst I congratulate the whole team for the Outstanding rating on caring for patients, it is the inadequate rating for leadership which causes me concern.”
Therese added: “I have already arranged a meeting in Westminster for September for the Interim Chief Executive, Dorothy Hosein, to explain to all MPs what she is doing to implement the CQC’s recommendations. I have also asked the Chief Inspector to speak to us. The reality is it is crunch time for the future of this service as it exists today. I will be pressing ministers to assess the break-up of the trust into 2 or 3 smaller services for the benefit of patients.”
