Calls Made For Improvements In Performance

A medical negligence expert at Irwin Mitchell has called on the ambulance service to address concerns raised in a new National Audit Office report on its performance.

The new research from the organisation has identified ‘various inefficiencies’ in the system and has suggested that the current focus on response times is demanding and impacting on trusts’ approaches to performance management.

It also stated that there are discrepancies between the cost per incident for each trust and a need for the creation of new ways for services to respond to patients in the most suitable manner.

A lack of data on patient outcomes has also been cited as an issue which is preventing an improved level of performance among ambulance trusts.

Mandy Luckman, a Partner and clinical negligence claims specialist at Irwin Mitchell’s Birmingham office, said there are clear issues which all ambulance services should consider following the release of the report.

She explained: “Through our work representing those who have had their lives turned upside down by medical errors and care failings, we have seen just how vital it is for patient safety to be a focus for the healthcare sector.

“Providing the best possible care for those in need should be a fundamental priority for both hospitals and ambulance services and this NAO report has recommended a way forward which will improve standards.

“It is vital that NHS Trusts and services acknowledge the publication, address inefficiencies and improve data management so they can show the positive impact of such work.”