North East Ambulance Service response to independent review - embargoed until 00:01 Wednesday, 12 July 2023

We are sharing this message with you ahead of the publication. Our response will be available when the report is made public by NHS England, which you will be able to view on our website here: https://www.neas.nhs.uk/news/2023/july/7/north-east-ambulance-service-statement-on-findings-of-independent-review.aspx

Firstly, I would like to say how sorry I am for any distress caused to the families for mistakes made in the past. Each family has received an unreserved apology from me on behalf of the Trust. If it can be of help or comfort, the chance to engage with them further is welcome.

There were flaws in our processes and these have now either been addressed or are being resolved at pace. We are grateful the report recognises that we have a new leadership team committed to addressing the issues.

We have made improvements to the service since the review, which was also evidenced last week by the Care Quality Commission following a targeted inspection in May 2023 where they said the service had begun to implement changes to facilitate significant improvement that address their concerns.

All the recommendations in the independent review directly applicable to NEAS are being actioned at pace – and in some cases already completed.

We have strengthened the governance around our systems and processes, and continue to monitor these, to ensure the lessons have been learned. And we have made it easier for issues to be flagged by increasing our resources for our Freedom To Speak Up process.

The review recognises the need for more financial support for NEAS, which is particularly welcome. With some additional help, we recruited 58 extra paramedics last year and 106 call handlers over the last two years. However, there is more to do if we are to deliver the right level of service for this region so the public can receive the best possible care. We are working closely with our commissioners and partners to ensure that this will happen.

You can read Dame Marianne Griffith’s report here https://www.england.nhs.uk/north-east-yorkshire/our-work/publications/ind-investigation-reports/ when it is published on Wednesday 12 July.

Please contact me if you have any questions. I can be reached via my assistant at Lauren.ODonnell@neas.nhs.uk 

Thank you again for your continued support

Helen Ray

Chief Executive

North East Ambulance Service