A health watchdog has given Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust a "good” rating – after being told it required improvement a year ago.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) carried out detailed inspections of Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS), including its NHS 111 service, during September and October last year after its inspections in January, 2015, highlighted the need to improve its safety, effectiveness and responsiveness of its service.

Inspectors highlighted areas of “outstanding” practice, including the Red Arrest Team which provides senior clinical support for patients who suffer a cardiac arrest; partnership working to improve integrated urgent and emergency care across the region; and the introduction of palliative care nurses in the trust’s NHS 111 call centres to support end-of-life care.

They said YAS had made progress in areas such as staff engagement and relations with trade unions and more thorough equipment checks and maintenance.

Rod Barnes, YAS chief executive, said: “We are delighted with the outcome of the CQC’s recent inspection of our organisation. Their assessment reflects the high quality of service provided by our dedicated staff who work tirelessly every day to provide timely and safe services for our patients. It makes me immensely proud that the commitment of our staff and volunteers and the great care they provide have been formally recognised.”