Following the charity’s Homeless Service receiving a ‘Good’ rating from the CQC, St John has received more positive news in the form of two new CQC reports rating our ambulance services in two regions as ‘Good’. 

Following the charity’s Homeless Service receiving a ‘Good’ rating from the CQC, St John has received more positive news in the form of two new CQC reports rating our ambulance services in two regions as ‘Good’. 

The Midlands 

The CQC carried out a series of unannounced and comprehensive inspections, calling at our Union Park facility in West Bromwich and our Newark hub. They also spoke to NHS trusts that commission St John’s services, checked patient records and spoke with several patients. 

The report says: 

“Staff treated patients with compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity, took account of their individual needs, and helped them understand their conditions. They provided emotional support to patients, families and carers.” 

“All those responsible for delivering care worked together as a team to benefit patients. They supported each other to provide good care and communicated effectively with other agencies.” 

“Leaders ran services well using reliable information systems and supported staff to develop their skills. Staff understood the service’s vision and values, and how to apply them in their work. Staff felt respected, supported and valued.” 

“All staff received and kept up to date with their mandatory training. The mandatory training was comprehensive and met the needs of patients and staff.” 

While giving the service an overall ‘Good’ rating, the CQC considered two aspects of St John’s work to be examples of ‘Outstanding’ practice: 

• The introduction of a Freedom to Speak Up Guardian 

• The investment in St John’s superb fleet – including the new ‘box-body’ ambulances with their improved moving/handling equipment. 

The North 

The CQC inspected two core St John services in Gateshead, Warrington and Stockport that help thousands of people throughout the north west and north east of England: emergency and urgent care and the patient transport service. 

The report says: 

“Staff provided good care and treatment. The service met agreed response times. Managers monitored the effectiveness of the service and made sure staff were competent. Staff worked well together for the benefit of patients and supported them to make decisions about their care” 

“Staff treated patients with compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity, took account of their individual needs, and helped them understand their conditions.” 

“Leaders ran services well using reliable information systems and supported staff to develop their skills. Staff understood the service’s vision and values, and how to apply them in their work. Staff felt respected, supported and valued.” 

The CQC also found a moving example of ‘Outstanding’ practice in the north. The team at St John Ambulance’s patient transport service - which regularly transports people nearing the end of their lives – has covered the blacked-out windows inside ambulances with colourful art murals featuring happy scenes and local landmarks. Patients said this small gesture really helped reduce their anxiety and make their final journey as pleasant as possible. 

Dan Bevis, acting Director of Health & Volunteering Operations at St John Ambulance, says: “These new CQC reports are testament to the level of care, compassion and dedication that St John people bring to their roles, day in, day out. 

“All our people, leaders and support teams should all be proud of the part they played in showcasing the very best of St John – and for what they continue to do every single day.” 

View the full report here.

Further CQC reports covering ambulance services in the remainder of the country will be released soon.