Magpas Air Ambulance rated ‘outstanding’

Magpas Air Ambulance has been given an ‘outstanding’ rating by the CQC, after its inspection of the service’s airbase at RAF Wyton in September.

The service provides 24/7 emergency care to critically ill and injured patients in Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, and neighbouring counties. It is the oldest emergency medical charity of its kind in the UK and has treated over 60,000 patients since 1971.

The inspectors said they observed ‘many examples of outstanding practice’. In particular, they noted the ‘positive patient-focused culture’ and how the charity uses ‘innovation and research to improve patient outcomes’ to help those facing life-threatening conditions.

Lead Inspector Quentin Colley-Bontoft spoke to patients who had been helped by Magpas Air Ambulance: “[They] told us that the support and intervention of staff gave them outstanding care, life support and interventions which enabled them to go on and lead their lives to the full and limited the impact of their serious injuries or conditions.”

Zoe Robinson, CQC Head of Hospital Inspection, said: “We were very impressed with Magpas Operational Base. It was exceeding the steps we would expect it to take to ensure people receive safe and effective care and treatment. This meant the service was delivering exceptional outcomes for people and saving lives.”

This news follows the Great North Air Ambulance Service also receiving an ‘outstanding’ rating.