Sadiq Khan has condemned the state of London Ambulance services after it became the first ambulance trust to be placed into special measures last week.
A culture of harassment and bullying was discovered by the inspectors, and slow response times were described as a major concern.
Professor Sir Mike Richards, chief inspector of hospitals who made the special measures recommendation, said: “This is a very serious problem, which the trust clearly isn’t able to address alone, and which needs action to put right.”
However, the frontline staff inspected were described as ‘overwhelmingly dedicated, hardworking and compassionate’ and received a service rating of ‘good’ for caring.
Sadiq Khan said: “Londoners will be shocked that this crucial service has received such a shocking inspection.
“This is about people’s lives and the fact the Tory government have allowed the London Ambulance Service to fall into such a poor state is nothing short of a disgrace. The government’s neglect is an insult to Londoners.”
Sadiq is demanding that the Mayor be given responsibility for London’s ambulances, which would put them in the same category as other blue-light services like police and fire.
“The Tories aren’t giving Londoners the ambulance service they need and deserve, and we must take action to change that,” he said.
London Ambulance Service’s chief executive Dr Fionna Moore said: “We are pleasured our caring and compassionate staff are recognised in this report.
“Every year demands rises while there is a national shortage of paramedics, but our staff remain committed, dedicated and proud of the work they do.”
The Trust welcome greater collaboration with emergency service partners, but only 10% of the incidents they attend involve the police and fire service – most work is conducted with NHS colleagues like GPs and hospital trusts.
To improve, the Trust has been told that it must focus on safety, effectiveness, responsiveness and leadership.
