West Midlands Ambulance Service first to receive 'outstanding' rating from inspectors

The trust, which cares for approximately 5.6 million people and covers around 5,000 square miles, received the highest rating from the Care Quality Commission following the inspection from June 27 to July 1.

West Midlands Ambulance Service chief executive, Anthony Marsh, praised trust staff members who 'work so hard' for patients and fellow colleagues.

He said the trust the was 'delighted' with the glowing rating, which is the first time an ambulance service in England has been rated outstanding.

Inspectors added the trust was outstanding in terms of its effectiveness and care. It was also rated good for its safety, leadership and responsiveness.

The trust responds to around 3,000 emergency '999' calls everyday and sends out ambulances from more than 90 stations across the region.

Mr Marsh, said: "I am incredibly proud of my staff and the volunteers who support us, for providing the best possible care to patients across the West Midlands.

"Helping others is at the heart of everything we do and I am hugely pleased that the CQC saw a positive, patient centred culture within the Trust with hard working staff proud to work here and making a real difference to patients' lives.

"One of the great strengths of this organisation are the staff and the way they work so hard to do what is right for our patients and their colleagues."

The trust provides services to 26 NHS trusts and operates from 16 main hubs

The trust was rated as 'requiring improvement' for its patient transport services in the report published on Tuesday (24).

But Mr Marsh said he 'accepts the comments' made by the CQC which relating to the service needing to improve.

He said: "We have already implemented a number of improvements since the inspection and will continue to make further improvements so that we can improve their rating."

"We will continue to do everything possible to raise our standards further. I would like to thank all of our staff and volunteers for their outstanding professionalism, continued dedication and hard work."

West Midlands Ambulance Service chairman, Sir Graham Meldrum, added: "It is an inevitable fact that, every single day, people will call 999 for help in their hour of need.

"Despite the challenges faced by the NHS and the heavy demands placed upon the ambulance service, the Trust will continue to focus on patient care. I am very proud of all of you who provide such an excellent standard of service. Please accept my sincere thanks for all that you do."