Thames Valley Air Ambulance rated 'Outstanding'

The emergency medical provider is the first air ambulance service in the country to have received the highest ranking from the healthcare regulator.

Just over a year after it became an independent healthcare provider, Thames Valley Air Ambulance has earned this highly respected rating while increasing the number of emergency dispatches by 110%.

Alongside checking facilities and reviewing documentation, CQC representatives spoke with a range of staff and people who have been cared for and benefited from the charity’s service, as part of their inspection.

The patients interviewed said that Thames Valley Air Ambulance’s staff treated them and their families with compassion and kindness and respected their dignity and privacy. They also commented how Thames Valley Air Ambulance went above and beyond expectations to meet their individual needs and wishes.

The report highlighted that 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.

It also emphasised that the organisation continually improves its service to better meet patients’ needs.

CQC also noted that all the staff they spoke with showed a commitment to providing the best possible care, to working together as a team to benefit patients and to provide high quality care.

Commenting on the results, Thames Valley Air Ambulance Chief Executive, Amanda McLean said: “I am delighted with the CQC report and incredibly proud of the fabulous team that delivers 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 will continue to develop our service through innovative technology and research to further enhance the care we are able to provide.

“The result of this CQC report would not be possible without the amazing fundraisers, volunteers and members of the public who support us every day. We are extremely grateful for the generosity of the communities that we serve and now as the UK enters its most serious healthcare crisis for generations, we want to thank every person and organisation that is raising donations for us.

“As we move forward, they will be needed more than ever, and we are committed to finding new ways to raise money and ensuring that every penny spent enhances the critically important service we provide.”

Less than 5% (1,567 of 32,506) of the registered health and social care services are currently rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC.

Thames Valley Air Ambulance operates 19 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is a charity and receives no money from the government or the national lottery and is instead fully funded by the generosity of the community it serves. It needs to raise around £10 million per year to be able to operate the emergency service.

To find out more or to support the work of Thames Valley Air Ambulance please visit www.tvairambulance.org.uk