Cambridgeshire based Charity Magpas Air Ambulance (which is not a state funded service) brings crucial lifesaving care by land and air to patients in life-threatening emergencies in the East of England and beyond.
The CQC, that regulates all health and social care services in England, visited Magpas Air Ambulance in February of this year. The Chief Inspector of Hospitals explains why and how the CQC inspection is carried out, “To get to the heart of patients’ experiences of care and treatment, we ask the same five questions of all services: are they safe, effective, caring, well-led and responsive to people’s needs?”
Daryl Brown, Chief Executive of Magpas Air Ambulance, explains, “We are delighted with the report, having been the first air ambulance charity to be registered with CQC in 2007 (formally known as the Healthcare Commission) this inspection report speaks volumes for the care and compassion of our clinical service. With five areas highlighted as outstanding and no areas of improvement, the inspection truly reflects our charity values – caring, pioneering and dedicated to patients’ needs.”
“It was an impressive and comprehensive inspection over two days which reviewed every aspect of the charity. To have received such an outstanding result is testament to the care of our enhanced doctors and paramedics and the hard work of our staff and volunteers here at Magpas Air Ambulance”.
Daryl goes on to say, “The CQC inspection team of three which included a Specialist Inspector observed the Magpas Air Ambulance medical team on board our helicopter and experienced, first-hand, the vital lifesaving difference this charity can make for patients in life threatening situations.”
To sum up, here is a snapshot of some highlights from the report:
- Staff spoke passionately about the care they provided to patients. Staff we spoke to explained how they delivered care and put the patient’s care needs first all times.
- Patient feedback was consistently positive. During our inspection, a patient shared their experience. The patient told us that the staff providing care and treatment remained calm and put them at ease with friendly… “Wrapped up in one word – caring”.
- The service had an open and learning culture, focused on patient centred care and patient outcomes. Clinicians worked with a mutual respect for each other. The service had a strong team working and a culture of positive working. All staff we spoke with reported that they were proud to work for the service.
- The charity operated its service seven days a week 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. The service responded by air during the day and by road at night. The service responded to an average of four calls in each 24 hour period and to 155 missions during December 2017.
