THE AMBULANCE service which covers Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire has launched a new scheme to allow patients to provide feedback.

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation trust (SWASFT) introduced the Friends and Family Test (FFT) for some of its patients last week, Wednesday, October 1.

It was initially introduced for inpatients, maternity units and A&E departments last year.

The national initiative from NHS England, the FFT asks patients whether they would recommend the service to their friends or family if they needed similar care or treatment.

Patients will now be given a postcard with details on how to provide feedback on SWASFT.

Currently the Friends and Family Test will apply to patients using SWASFT patient transport services and those 999 patients who have been treated by an ambulance crew but not taken to hospital.

Patients who are taken to hospital will not be asked to provide feedback since their views will be received by the hospital.

Jane Whichello, senior patient experience manager at SWASFT, said: “The Friends and Family Test is an important feedback tool that supports the principle that people who use NHS services should have the opportunity to provide feedback on their experience.

“The feedback gathered is being used in NHS organisations across the country to stimulate local improvement and empower staff to carry out the sorts of changes that make a real difference to patients and their care.”