A Harpenden-based private ambulance service has been rated 'requires improvement' after inspectors found issues relating to its safety and leadership.

Pro Medicus, located at Thrales End Lane, has beenb given an overall rating of 'requires improvement' after the Care Quality Commission (CQC) highlighted concerns in two of its five assessment areas.

The health and social care watchdog raised concerns regarding safety and leadership, while effectiveness, care and responsiveness were all rated 'good'.

After initially warning the service about its concerns in February, the CQC returned for an inspection in April.

The report found, which was published on July 29, said: "The service did not always use effective systems and processes to store medicines. The service did not control infection risk well.

"Vehicles and equipment were not always well-maintained and there were not always effective arrangements to monitor the safety and upkeep of the equipment and vehicles. The service did not manage patient safety incidents well."

Inspectors warned Pro Medicus that they were in breach of regulation 12 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

Concerns have also been raised about the leadership of the service, with the report saying: "Leaders did not always demonstrate the skills and abilities to run the service.

"Leaders did not operate effective processes for governance, information management and the management of risk, issues and performance. Policies were generic and did not reflect up-to-date national guidance."

For this, they were found to be in breach of regulation 17 of the aforementioned Health and Social Care Act 2008.

Suggested Reading:

• London Colney: Splash park remains closed after broken water pump

• St Albans' Clipso nominated at the 2024 Salon Awards

• Harpenden: Joint group offer rejected in parking row

However, inspectors did highlight some positives in their report.

Praising the quality of care at the firm, the report said: "Staff were discreet and responsive when caring for patients.

"They took time to interact with patients and those close to them in a respectful and considerate way.

"We were unable to directly observe patient care during this inspection but staff explained how they would maintain patients’ privacy and dignity if they had to care for them in a public place."

Pro Medicus did not respond to a request for comment when approached for this story.