The Norwich base of the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) has been awarded ‘Outstanding’, the highest possible award, by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
During a recent inspection the CQC found that everyone at the Norwich Base championed a culture of empathy, teamwork and continuous development in order to provide patients with the highest level of care.
The CQC identified that ‘Staff showed exceptional compassion when treating people, and this was reflected in feedback from them and their families. They said staff listened to them, reassured them, and looked after them with kindness and respect.’
Adding that ‘The service not only followed national guidance to provide people the best care but innovated and contributed to it. Helimed House was leading research in areas such as how to better diagnose bleeds on the brain and how to better manage cardiac arrests to save more lives.’
Like all Air Ambulances, the EAAA is an independent charity that provides critical emergency care to the most seriously ill and injured people in the region 365 days a year and 24 hours a day.
Victor Inyang, Medical Director at East Anglian Air Ambulance, said: “This Outstanding rating is a powerful reflection of the dedication, professionalism and compassion shown by every member of our team. Day in, day out, our crews and charity staff go above and beyond to deliver the highest standard of care to our patients.
“Patients are at the heart of everything we do, and this recognition reinforces our commitment to providing the very best care when it matters most.
“We are incredibly proud to serve the people of East Anglia. As a charity, our ability to deliver this life-saving service relies on the generous support of our communities, and we are deeply grateful for the part they play in making this possible.
“We will now take time to reflect on the report in full – celebrating our strengths while continuing to identify opportunities to improve and build on this success.”
It is funded solely by donations and works in partnership with East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST), Essex and Hertfordshire Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT), Magpas Air Ambulance and Norfolk and Suffolk Accident Rescue Services (NARS/SARS), BHECCS and BEARS to provide a comprehensive service across the East of England.