We carried out an investigation into Staffordshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust in response to serious concerns raised by staff, the West Midlands Strategic Health Authority and others.

The investigation, covering the period April 2004 to June 2007, highlighted problems at the former trust including the poor management of controlled drugs, ‘community first responders' (emergency ambulance volunteers) and an out-of-hours GP service.

We pointed out that the trust was a good performer in terms of response times for emergency calls. It was considered to be innovative in its introduction of new equipment and services and had good relationships with patients and the public.

However, the investigation found that these achievements were undermined by a culture and approach that did not prioritise safety and that put patients at risk.

More information

Further information on the investigation is available in the publications listed below.

• Investigation into Staffordshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust April 2008
• Investigation into Staffordshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust: West Midland Ambulance Service action plan