Ambulance service pledges to raise cleaning standards - 08/12/2009

East Midlands Ambulance Service has pledged to improve its levels of cleanliness following a poor audit performance.

The ambulance provider, which serves north Lincolnshire, was found to have less than satisfactory hygiene in a Care Quality Commission report and has promised to improve its cleaning practices.

East Midlands Ambulance Service was given 14 days to increase hygiene standards in order to minimise the risk of infection.

Paul Phillips, chief executive of the East Midlands Ambulance Service, said the organisation has already made significant improvements since the last audit.

"I was disappointed to learn the CQC's inspection identified four vehicles where we are still falling short on infection prevention and control standards," he said.

"That situation is not acceptable and since the inspection we have redoubled our efforts with our deep cleaning teams, investing almost £300,000 additional funds in this area."

Mr Phillips added that 495 ambulances are compliant with regulations relating to availability of hand hygiene facilities and clean internal surfaces.

A Back to Basics scheme was recently launched in Northen Ireland to help improve hospital cleaning standards across the region.

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