South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) is out of special measures following a period of sustained improvement.
Following a thorough review, NHS England has confirmed this week that SECAmb has been removed from the Recovery Support Programme (RSP), formerly known as ‘special measures.’
NHS England described the announcement as an important milestone for the Trust and, while recognising that there is more to do to continue to improve services for patients, paid tribute to the hard work of the Trust over recent years.
The rating for Secamb was downgraded from “good” to “requires improvement” following an inspection in 2022.
The service was placed into NHS England’s National Recovery Support programme, which set targets for answering and responding to calls.
Simon Weldon, Chief Executive of SECAmb, welcomed the announcement and thanked everyone for their hard work, dedication and commitment.
He said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our people for their continued efforts, and everything they have done to help us reach this significant point in our improvement journey.
“The difference I see in SECAmb today, compared to when I joined two years ago, is profound. We have made remarkable strides, but I know we can achieve even more. Our next steps will involve collaborating with our lead ICB on a plan to ensure our continued improvement and to keep delivering the exceptional care our patients and our communities deserve.
“I would once again like to extend my thanks to all of our people for their dedication and support. Together, we will continue to strengthen our Trust and move forward with purpose and commitment to deliver on our strategy and future plans.”
Michael Whitehouse, incoming Chair of SECAmb said: “I welcome this week’s announcement, which represents an important step forward for SECAmb. Our people provide expert and compassionate care to our patients, every minute of every day and they should all take a moment today to be proud of this achievement.”
County Councillor Karen Constantine, who represents Ramsgate at the local authority, said: “I am delighted that SECAmb is now out of special measures, no doubt due to good leadership and the tremendous and sustained efforts of its employees.
“I first raised my concerns about call out times, as Ramsgate’s County Councillor, back In 2019. Who can forget our elderly residents waiting hours on our icy pavements for ambulances to arrive? Or the dire shortage of paramedics? It seems SECAMB have turned a corner.
“I remain concerned about the service for Thanet residents in the near future. In 2027 when the new HASU is finally opened in Ashford we’ll need to be vigilant to ensure that Cat 2 call outs are met within the specified timeframe — as time is brain, and any delay will cause harm. Ashford is still too far.
“Meanwhile the stroke service at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital is delivering a reliable and well performing service. Indeed, it’s a disappointment we can’t retain a HASU in Canterbury.
“It should be remembered that the current plan of a strangely split HASU, thrombosis on WHH site and Thrombectomy on the K&C site is far from ideal and this will eventually place our ambulance service under pressure.”
SECAMB this morning – ‘You’re on the highest response which is 18 minutes however your area is busy at the moment and it may take 3 hours’.
It was OK in the end. I just asked my husband to stop having a heart attack.