An ambulance service's attempts to address serious infection control problems has been met with positive praise by the Government's health watchdog.

The Care Quality Commission completed an unannounced visit this summer to seven stations belonging to the East of England Ambulance Trust, which highlighted the need to address infection prevention and control.

However, a return visit found the trust had not breached regulations to protect patients, staff and others from the risks of healthcare-associated infection.

An action plan after the first inspection included new materials and wipes for cleaning the inside of ambulances and improving communication on infection prevention and control.

Dr Scott Turner, one of the service’s joint medical directors, said: “We took the initial inspection report extremely seriously as the safety of our patients and staff is an absolute priority to us. We were already doing a lot of work in relation to infection prevention and control (IPC) but the CQC highlighted where more had to be done.

"The return visit made by the CQC last month has reflected our ability to address these requirements and recommendations in the fight against the spread of infection. I must commend our staff in their work to ensure this was being implemented; the support and enthusiasm right across the trust has meant we have been able to make such a dramatic turn around."

The East of England Ambulance Trust serves Hertfordshire, Essex, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.