Patient Transport (UK) Ltd - Potters Bar Ambulance Station

Updated 3 November 2021

Patient Transport (UK) Ltd - Potters Bar Ambulance Station is operated by Patient Transport (UK) Limited and provides a secure mental health transport service and a non-emergency patient transport service, mainly to patients located within London and the south of England.

This location was first registered with CQC on 15 September 2020 following the relocation of the service from North London. The service has had a registered manager in post since their registration. The provider is registered to undertake the following regulated activity:

• Transport services, triage and medical advice provided remotely.

From August to October 2021, the provider completed 4388 patient journeys.

This was a focused inspection which was completed in response to concerns raised regarding the safe transfer of patients with mental health conditions. We conducted a focused inspection (the service did not know we were coming) looking at the safe and well led key questions. We previously rated the service as good for effective, caring, responsive and well led and requires improvement for safe. The overall rating in May 2021 was good.

At this inspection, we did not rate safe or responsive and did not inspect caring. We rated the service as good for safe and well led. The overall rating was good.

Updated 3 November 2021

We rated it as good because:

• The service provided mandatory training in key skills to all staff and made sure everyone completed it. Staff understood how to protect patients from abuse and the service worked well with other agencies to do so. The service controlled infection risk well. Staff used equipment and control measures to protect patients, themselves and others from infection. They kept equipment, vehicles and premises visibly clean. Equipment and vehicles were well maintained. Risk assessments were completed before any transfer and action taken in response to risks identified. The service had enough staff with the right qualifications, skills, training and experience to keep patients safe from avoidable harm and to provide the right care and treatment. Incidents were reported and analysed for any themes before sharing with the wider team.

• The service provided care based on national guidance and evidence-based practice. Managers checked to make sure staff followed guidance. Staff protected the rights of patients subject to the Mental Health Act 1983. Staff were trained and assessed for competency for their specific roles including the supporting patient who were experiencing mental ill health.

• Leaders had the skills and abilities to run the service. They understood and managed the priorities and issues the service faced. They were visible and approachable in the service for patients and staff. Leaders operated effective governance processes and staff at all levels were clear about their roles and accountabilities, having regular opportunities to meet, discuss and learn from the performance of the service. The service collected reliable data and analysed it. The information systems were integrated and secure.

Updated 3 November 2021