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<p>We are advised that Monitor, the independent regulator of NHS foundation trusts,
is taking action with South East Coast Ambulance Service Foundation Trust regarding
concerns about the project and the regulator is working with the Trust now to identify
the negative impact this project could have had on patients. It is Monitor’s function
to undertake such investigations independently of the Department. Monitor and Departmental
officials regularly discuss such issues on a routine basis.</p><br /><p>As part of
regulatory action, Monitor advises it has asked the Trust to carry out a detailed
independent review of the impact the project had on patients. Monitor has asked the
Trust to do this with the help of an external expert, who the regulator will select.
The full details of what the review will look at and how long it will take are being
worked on by the trust and Monitor, including consideration of publication of the
review findings.</p><br /><p>Monitor sets the governance and operational standards,
or ‘bar’, that all NHS foundation trusts must meet to be eligible for the NHS provider
licence that it issues. The regulator monitors the continuing performance of licensed
providers to make sure the required standards are being maintained and if it see signs
that an NHS foundation trust may slip below the bar, Monitor can step in to help the
trust avoid more serious problems and, if necessary, take formal steps to make sure
problems are fixed.</p><br /><p>Monitor advised it has also added a condition to the
Trust’s licence so that, if sufficient progress is not made, further action could
be taken. This includes changing the leadership team at the trust, if necessary.</p><br
/><p>In addition, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) advises the Trust is scheduled
for a comprehensive inspection in 2016.</p><br /><p>NHS England has also undertaken
an external investigation of the project and the report of the investigation does
not identify any deaths occurring as a result of this project. The report was published
by NHS England on 5 November 2015 and is attached.</p><br /><p>As such, the Government
therefore has no plans at this stage to set up a public inquiry.</p><br /><p>The Government
is committed to driving up the quality of investigations in the National Health Service
in order to reduce the need for expensive and lengthy public inquiries in the future.
In July the Secretary of State announced the Government’s decision to establish a
new independent patient safety investigation service to be launched in April 2016.
The new body will offer support and guidance to health and care provider organisations
on investigations into serious patient safety incidents, and carry out certain investigations
itself.</p>
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