KENT ambulance service has denied it is running a fleet of dirty vehicles after a report criticised cleaning procedures.

Inspectors from the Commission for Health Improvement (CHI) said staff working for Kent Ambulance NHS Trust did not have time dedicated to clean ambulances.

The report stated: "Infection control procedures need to be extensively revised and monitored as a matter of urgency."

A CHI spokesman said: "Staff are concerned they do not always have time to clean emergency ambulances thoroughly. Not all clinical waste was properly disposed of within the ambulance stations visited."

The report also said the Kent service was "committed to providing the best possible care" but management had been "stretched".

The report acknowledged the former NHS office for the region imposed an embargo on recruiting to senior positions, which put pressure on the organisation.

CHI inspectors concluded the trust had focused on achieving national targets, rather than on improving patient care.

They also called for better communication with staff to ensure employees felt valued and supported.

But the report highlighted the trust's good patient care and praised its chaplaincy service and occupational health facilities.

Trust chief executive Hayden Newton said: "There's a lot of work to do over the next 12 months. They are right to raise the issues they did. It's as much as anything about the history of the trust."

He added: "Staff haven't had specific time for cleaning ambulances. We have seen an increased work load both our staff and vehicles are working hard.

"We're not running a dirty fleet of vehicles and there are no dangers

"We enjoyed the CHI process. We found the CHI report to be honest, helpful and constructive. There is a commitment from the trust board to work on the recommendations."

April 29, 2003 13:00