Ambulance service exits special measures

Secamb was placed in special measures in 2022

An ambulance service in the south east of England has exited special measures following a period of "sustained improvement", it has said.

The overall rating for South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (Secamb) was downgraded from "good" to "requires improvement" following an inspection in 2022.

The service, which covers Kent, Surrey and Sussex, was placed into NHS England's National Recovery Support programme, which set targets for answering and responding to calls.

NHS England described the announcement as an "important milestone" for the trust while recognising that there is "more to do to continue to improve services for patients".

'Remarkable strides'

Simon Weldon, Secamb chief executive, welcomed the announcement and thanked staff for their "hard work, dedication and commitment".

He said: "We have made remarkable strides, but I know we can achieve even more.

"Our next step is a plan to ensure our continued improvement and to keep delivering the exceptional care our patients and our communities deserve."

Michael Whitehouse, incoming Secamb chairperson, said: "Our people provide expert and compassionate care to our patients, every minute of every day and they should all take a moment today to be proud of this achievement."

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.