Early joint talks with CQC on future fees policy:
January 23 2012: A new chapter was opened today in the history of ambulance services inEnglandwith the launch of the Independent Ambulance Association, the first not-for-profit organisation to be the voice of privately owned companies which are regulated by the Government’s Care Quality Commission.
One of the first IAA actions is to hold early joint talks with the CQC in the start of a round of joint meetings to discuss the long-term 3-5 year registration fee strategy for the sector, it was announced today.
“Of course, the independent ambulance industry is delighted to accept the invitation to be directly involved for the first time in the strategic planning of the CQC’s future registration fees policy; both organizations regard these important meetings as the start of what we mutually hope is a long and successful working relationship between the regulators and the independent ambulance providers” said David Davis, the IAA’s Director of Communications.
The IAA has been established as a company limited by guarantee; with all its revenues, mainly from membership subscriptions, devoted wholly for the benefit of members and to achieve the industry’s prime commitment to deliver unrivalled care and safe and dignified transport services for patients.
As a benchmark for membership, it will accept applications from only those companies or services which are registered or in the final phase of registering with the CQC.
Davissaid that the response from prospective members to the initial announcement about the Association had exceeded their most optimistic estimates.
He added: “It confirmed that many independent providers, big and small, want a collective voice to put their views on important matters to regulators and the policymakers… We believe that this can best be achieved by establishing working relationships with policymakers, regulators and others and to exchange information in regular constructive dialogue between all the parties concerned. The benefits would be mutual.”
The Association’s first Board of Directors is:
- Rob Ashford, Chief Executive,ThamesAmbulance Service
- DickieHenderson, Managing Director, Mediforce
- Craig Wood, Director of Care, Quality & Workforce Development, ERS International Group
A second board of independent non executive directors has been named to oversee the governance of the Association’s affairs. They are:
- Alan Howson, Employer Partnership Manager at Pearson, owners of Edexcel & BTEC
- Katherine Murphy, Chief Executive, The Patients Association
- David Worskett, Director of the NHS Partners Network
Davis went on: “The healthcare landscape is today in the greatest period of transition since the National Health Service was established nearly 60 years ago. Virtually every aspect is being constantly put under the microscope, socially, economically and politically and legislators are making policy decisions which are having, and will continue to have, irrevocable impact on the future of the independent ambulance industry. We would like to make sure that it will be allowed to compete on an even playing field.”
Looking to the future he added: “The next 12 months could see a turning point in the relationship between the public and independent ambulance sectors, prompted by the recognition of both sides that neither can alone meet all the nation’s surging demands for patient transport services.
“The challenge will be to find the common ground on which both sides can feel comfortable and protected. Time and patience will be required by all parties if such an ambitious target is achieved but in the meantime both sides are facing the same challenge of delivering high quality ambulance services at lower cost.
“The challenge for the public ambulance service is to look ahead to a future where it can survive and thrive in a professional working relationship with independent colleagues.
“For the independents the biggest challenge is to win greater political and public acceptance to take its rightful place at the policy decision making table.”
