The Independent Ambulance Association (IAA), the leading trade organisation for private ambulance companies regulated by the Care Quality Commission in England, has announced that it is expanding its geographic reach across the United Kingdom.
A special category of associate membership has been established that will be offered to a limited number of companies in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland where currently ambulance companies are not yet regulated.
The first IAA associate members are: Paramed UK Ambulance Service in Scotland; and the CPNI Ambulance Service in Northern Ireland.
David Davis
David Davis, Director, IAA, said that both these companies have been thoroughly vetted in terms of their qualifications and resources and have also committed to meeting all the CQC compliance requirements for patient well-being, respect and safety. David said, “By opening up IAA associate membership to ambulance services outside of England we are signalling the start of a campaign calling for regulations to be introduced by the government authorities in other parts of the UK. They have been discussing a regulatory system for some long and it is now time and appropriate for it to be introduced. Private ambulance companies would welcome and support such a move.”
The IAA is in discussion with ambulance companies in Wales and hopes to appoint an associate member for the region in the near future.
For further information visit the IAA website.
