Inadequate patient transport service is clinging on

After nearly three years, a catalogue of failings, numerous damning inspection reports and countless complaints, somehow Thames Ambulance Service clings onto its patient transport contract in Lincolnshire.

Back in July 2016, the company secured the service for people who needed picking up for routine appointments and dropping off at hospital.

At the time, the firm ruled the roost across the region, providing the service in Scunthorpe, Grimsby and across the whole of the south of the county.

You could go anywhere and see passing ambulances with “TASL” printed in green lettering on the side.

Things seemed in order for Thames, until the failings began to the creep to the surface.

Inspectors issued warning notices for poor performance, staff described the firm as “inept and disorganised” and patients were turning up late for appointments.

Health bosses began to face questions over their decision making.

Commissioners in the north of the county wasted little time in axing the company.

Yet in Lincolnshire, instead of terminating their contract, Thames were given another shot after they apologised in February 2018.

Since then, little has changed though. Thames have appointed a new chief executive and have assured that they are working hard to improve.

Derek Laird, CEO of the firm, said there is “much more work to do” in order for the company to deliver “high quality care that patients using our service should receive”.

But performance has not improved, something which councillors have noticed and said “enough is enough”.

Commissioners know this, but have their hands tied with winter pressures and the risks terminating a service brings during the brisk weather.

Meanwhile, health inspectors issued another damning report for the company this week, mounting pressure on officials to act.

There’s a feeling that something has got to give. — CALVIN ROBINSON

Coppers face more cuts, but could tech help?

Alarms might be ringing after this week’s news of police cuts to more than 103 staff roles despite an 11% hike in council tax precept.

Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones says a Government grant could save the day, but if not, what then? How can a smaller police force reassure people they are safe?

After Mr Jones’ £23.94 rise for band D properties was approved, it seemed the county’s chief constable Bill Skelly was quick to put the blues and twos on getting PR out that bosses were still dialling 999 on a £3.2 million gap in the budget.

Mr Skelly warned of at least 103 staff facing the axe, plus a £1 million cut to the G4S contract.

As many bemoan the continued loss of bobbies on the beat, what does the future of policing look like?

Chiefs argue that despite the cuts, investment in technology is helping get boots on the street.

Mobile devices which can print tickets and register finger prints are becoming part of the general kit of the local officer.

Drones are being highly praised for their effectiveness as eyes in the sky (keep an eye above events like the Christmas Market - you might spot one there).

Upgrades to sustainable, electric vehicles and the force's outdated IT system are also on the list.

Unfortunately for police chiefs, they face the public and trade unions as the judge of their ability, and we often hear both talk of how cuts have undermined the force's ability to provide the level of crime fighting needed.

The problem for many is this is all well and good, but there’s nothing better than seeing and believing for many, and a few more high-vis jackets on the street will always be seen as the better solution.  — DANIEL JAINES

MEET THE LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTERS