IMPROVEMENTS are still needed at the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS), according to a CQC report published today (July 7).

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) report shows it found some improvements following an inspection of emergency and urgent care (EUC) services run by NEAS.

This unannounced inspection was to examine EUC services, as part of continual checks on the safety and quality of healthcare services. It was also to ensure the trust had addressed concerns highlighted at an inspection in July and September last year when it received a warning notice.

Following this inspection, the overall rating for EUC improved from inadequate to requires improvement.

As this was a focused inspection, the overall trust ratings were not affected and the trust remains rated requires improvement overall.

CQC deputy director of operations in the north, Sarah Dronsfield, said: “At this inspection, we found there had been multiple changes at board level and through our engagement, we know they’ve taken our concerns seriously, and made considerable improvements. However, they need more time to fully understand all the priorities and issues the trust faces, so they can make further improvements to ensure people are receiving a high standard of care.

“We saw some improvements in culture, as the trust has started to develop better systems to receive and act upon feedback they receive, but some staff told us they still didn’t feel they could raise concerns without fear. It’s important the leadership team tackle this as a priority, as everyone should feel they are able to speak up and be listened to. Staff have important information to share that can keep people safe.

"There were still issues with medicines management across the trust, including stock levels not being accurately recorded, and some not being stored correctly, putting people at risk."

In response to today’s CQC report, Helen Ray, NEAS chief executive, said: “This report is a testament to the hard work and effort that has been made by so many people in different teams across the service on our journey of improvement.

“I want to thank everyone involved for their determination to keep patients safe and make NEAS a better place to work.

“The swift action we have taken since the first inspection has ensured we have made good progress, but given the short time since the last CQC report in February, we recognise there is still more to do to embed the changes we’ve introduced.

“The ambulance service and the NHS as a whole has faced unprecedented pressures, the likes of which we’ve never experienced, but we have acted quickly to address the CQC’s concerns and we are now beginning to see the results of this hard work.”