North East Ambulance Service statement on findings of independent review - embargoed until 00:01 Wednesday 12 July 2023

“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 of behalf of the trust.

“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.

“Of the 15 recommendations directly applicable to the trust, all are being actioned at pace and in some cases already completed.

“We have strengthened the governance, systems and processes relating to investigations and coronial reports; and continue to monitor these to ensure the lessons have been learned. We have made it easier for issues to be flagged by increasing our resources for our Freedom To Speak Up team.

“The review recognises the need for more financial support for NEAS, which is particularly welcome. Over the past two years the ambulance service and the NHS has faced unprecedented pressures, the likes of which we’ve never experienced.

“Critical to our success is clear investment in our Trust. We are now beginning to see the results of the additional help we received last year in recruiting 58 extra paramedics and 106 call handlers over the last two years.

“The action we have taken is also recognised by the Care Quality Commission, who last week said we have begun to make the improvements that address their concerns.

“However, there is more to do so the public can receive the best possible care. We are working closely with our commissioners and partners to ensure that this will happen.”