Inadequate rating of South Central Ambulance Service is 'really unfair' says Portsmouth City Council leader

Politicians have reacted with dismay to the news that South Central Ambulance Service has been rated as 'inadequate' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

They have demanded immediate improvement from the higher-ups at the ambulance service, while also praising front-line staff for their tireless dedication.

Leader of Portsmouth City Council, Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, said no blame can be placed at the feet of front-line workers.

'For the people in the ambulance service it's a really unfair rating,' he said.

'They work so hard to look after people, I've seen them work in incredibly stressful situations and yet remain so caring and professional.

'Management might be a different kettle of onions and we can always make our health care services better, such as by improving ambulance waiting times at QA Hospital, but I don't want the dedicated men and women in the ambulance service beating themselves up over this rating.'

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Portsmouth North MP Penny Mordaunt said: 'This is very disappointing and so am pleased to see the service has already issued an improvement plan to ensure every patient has the service they should expect.

'All parts of our local health service can also help in these improvements. I will be in touch to see how I can support.

'The CQC did also note the commitment and good work of the ambulance service staff too.'

Labour MP for Portsmouth South, Stephen Morgan, claimed the blame lies not with ambulance workers but with the government, for not providing sufficient resources.

He said: 'Whilst this news is deeply concerning, it sadly comes as no surprise after the reports I have received in my postbag about the South Central Ambulance Service.

'Twelve years of Conservative mismanagement has left our NHS services in crisis. Despite the best efforts of our front-line workers, it is clear government is failing to properly support them and the vital services they deliver for us all.

'Patients are left for far longer than is safe and we cannot afford for this pattern to continue. Instead of focusing on their own political distractions, the Tories’ first priority should be running the country and getting a grip of this.'