Ambulance service for Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire to be placed into special measures

An improvement director has also been appointed after 'bullying' and 'sexual assault allegations' came to light
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The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust will receive enhanced support to improve its services, following a decision to place the trust into special measures.

The trust will be supported with the appointment of an improvement director, a tailored ‘Freedom to Speak Up’ support package, the arrangement of an external ‘buddying’ with fellow ambulance services and board development sessions.

This follows the news last month when we revealed that 'poor leadership', 'bullying' and 'sexual assault allegations' had been uncovered at the ambulance service in a damning inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).It was then that the CQC had recommended the trust be placed into special measures due to challenges around patient and staff safety concerns, workforce processes, complaints and learning.

The East of England Ambulance Service NHS TrustThe East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust
The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust

It said there was a need to improve the trust’s overarching culture to tackle inappropriate behaviours and encourage people to speak up.

Ann Radmore, East of England regional director, said: “While the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust has been working through its many challenges, there are long-standing concerns around culture, leadership and governance, and it is important that the trust supports its staff to deliver the high-quality care that patients deserve.

“We know that the trust welcomes this decision and shares our commitment to reshape its culture and address quality concerns for the benefit of staff, patients and the wider community.”