SOUTH Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust has been given a clean bill of health by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the UK's independent healthcare regulator.
SOUTH Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust has been given a clean bill of health by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the UK's independent healthcare regulator.
All NHS organisations that provide healthcare directly to patients must comply with stringent new requirements aimed at protecting patients and staff from healthcare associated infections, through registration with the Care Quality Commission.
During 2009 all ambulance trusts within the UK received an unannounced inspection from the Care Quality Commission.
The inspection team visited the Trust during August, assessing eight ambulance stations and checking 16 vehicles.
In their report published today, the CQC confirmed that the South Western Ambulance Service was found to be following all regulations to protect patients and staff from the risks of acquiring a healthcare associated infection.
Norma Lane, director of urgent care and clinical services, said: "The trust and all of our staff have worked extremely hard to ensure that every patient receives care in an environment that we would be proud for one of our own relatives to experience.
"We are delighted to receive such a fantastic result."
Adrian South, clinical development manager and infection control lead, said: "Over the past two years we have successfully delivered an ambitious programme to improve infection control.
"The inspection reflects the fact that infection control is one of our top priorities.
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