Waiting times focus ‘overshadows misconduct’, finds NHSE review
Ambulance trusts have often prioritised capacity and response times over dealing with cases of misconduct, a review of culture in the sector for NHS England has found.
£38.5m deficit leaves trust needing ‘cash support to continue operations’
An ambulance trust is moving from forecasting breakeven at the end of 2023-24 to a £38.5m deficit, and declared it will need to be given extra cash ‘to support continuing operations’.
Trust sacks seven staff over ‘sexual behaviour’
An ambulance trust saw a sharp rise in complaints – and has dismissed seven staff – after overhauling its complaints process, and encouraging people to speak up about sexual behaviour.
Cyber attack takes out two trusts’ records access
Two ambulance trusts have been left without a working electronic patient care record system for a week after a cyber attack affecting its Swedish-based supplier.
ICB and seven trusts put in ‘recovery’ after refusing to submit balanced financial plan
An integrated care board and all seven of its member trusts have been placed into the ‘recovery support programmes’ – formerly known as special measures – by NHS England, after declaring a deficit plan for 2023-24.
Trusts to share joint chief ahead of breakup
Two trusts in the south of England have named a joint chief executive as part of a major reorganisation.
More trusts vote to strike
Staff at another four ambulance services have voted to take strike action in the ongoing dispute over pay, the union Unison has announced.
Staff at final ambulance trust vote to join strikes
Staff at the East of England ambulance trust – the only one to escape strike action so far – have voted to join the industrial action.
Paramedics not sent to quarter of urgent calls, admits trust
Some ambulance trusts are not sending paramedics to up to around a quarter of their most serious calls, according to figures obtained by HSJ.
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‘Inadequate’ trust gets new chief executive
An experienced acute hospital executive has been appointed to lead South Central Ambulance Service Foundation Trust.
Ambulance firm collapses
A rapidly-expanding private ambulance firm which was working with two NHS trusts has gone into administration.
Ambulance strike dates and trusts revealed
Thousands of ambulance staff across England will go on strike during the festive period this month in a dispute over pay, three unions have announced.
Trust criticised for ‘extreme positivity’ and drops two ratings to ‘inadequate’
Senior leaders of an ambulance trust have been told their ‘extreme positivity’ has made them appear ‘out of touch’ as the Care Quality Commission downgraded the organisation’s rating to ‘inadequate’.
Trust chief steps down after 17 years
One of England’s longest-serving ambulance chief executives is to step down next year.
24 hour ambulance handover on ‘worst night ever’
All ambulance services are now understood to be on the highest level of alert due to ‘extreme pressures’ caused by the hot weather and covid absences among staff.
Rail strikes ‘will kill people’, warns NHS leader
Next week’s rail strikes will “probably end up killing people” as they will prevent staff working for already struggling ambulance trusts from getting to work, a senior NHS leader has told HSJ.
Ambulance trust delayed 750 safeguarding referrals
A computer problem meant an ambulance trust failed to pass on 750 safeguarding referrals to local authorities for up to 17 days.
NHS England director to step down
One of NHS England’s longest-serving senior figures is to leave their role with the national body.
Female ambulance staff subjected to ‘macho and sexualised’ culture
A ‘macho’ culture within ambulance trusts is leading to widespread abuse of female staff.
Under-pressure ambulance services are accelerating transformation
Chris Hopson and Daren Mochrie on the ambulance sector’s role in NHS recovery following covid.