WE’RE FLYING HIGH AFTER OUR ‘OUTSTANDING’ RATING FROM THE CQC

We’re delighted to announce that we achieved an overall ‘Outstanding’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in our first inspection. This makes us the first air ambulance service in the country to receive the highest ranking from the healthcare regulator.

During the inspection representatives from the CQC spoke with our staff and people who have used their service. The patients interviewed said that our staff treated them and their families with compassion and kindness, respected their dignity and privacy. They also said they went above and beyond expectations to meet their individual needs and wishes.

Some of the highlights the CQC highlighted include:

Our commitment to delivering the highest standard of hospital-level care to the people living within the Thames Valley.

Critically ill and injured patients had timely access to urgent treatment, which is vital to give patients the best possible chance of survival and recovery.

Patients said our team went above and beyond expectations to meet their individual needs and wishes.

Staff showed an overwhelming commitment to providing the best possible care.

Our Chief Executive, Amanda McLean said: ‘I am delighted with the CQC report and incredibly proud of the fabulous team that come together to deliver this vital service across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. Patient care and safety is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re delighted that the CQC recognises this. We are extremely grateful to everyone who supports us as we are only able to operate thanks to the generosity of the communities that we serve. We will continue to develop our service through innovative technology and research to further enhance the care we are able to provide.’

The charity earned this rating just over a year after it became an independent healthcare provider, while increasing the number of dispatches by 110%.