PATIENTS have given West Yorkshire's ambulance crews a pat on the back.
The service provides excellent or very good care – according to 95% of the patients who took part in the National Patients' Surveys.
The Healthcare Commission surveys asked more than 300,000 patients about their experiences in 568 English NHS Trusts.
The ambulance service study, which is the first of its kind, focused on emergency services and asked patients to give their opinion of the way they were treated, from making the call to the journey to hospital.
WYMAS Acting Chief Executive Andrew Cratchley said: "This is confirmation of the dedication and commitment to patient care that our staff demonstrate on a daily basis.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all staff for their professionalism and hard work.
"We value the views of our patients and we are already examining their feedback to look at how we can improve services. With their help we can shape the way healthcare is delivered locally. "
Findings to come out of the survey included the trust and confidence patients had in the ambulance crew's professional skills. Patients felt they were listened to and treated with respect and dignity, with the majority of respondents giving at least a 90% satisfaction rating.
In line with national findings some patients expressed a wish for more pain control. The Trust's clinical audit and effectiveness committee are looking at ways in which we can improve the patient's experience in this area.
Work has already started in West Yorkshire to help people who stay at home following an emergency call. Post-treatment advice leaflets are being produced for staff to leave with patients.
