The Trust says it was under great pressure to meet response targets

The Commission for Health Improvement (CHI) report on Essex Ambulance Service NHS Trust said the trust was using inaccurate methods to record response times up until June 2002.

However, the CHI said it is satisfied that new recording methods now provide more accurate data.

Brian Goodwin, chairman of the Essex Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: "The report acknowledges that the service has begun to make improvements in its management and procedures, although we know we still have some way to go."

This report accurately reflects where the Trust has been in the past but not where it is today or where it is going Brian Goodwin Essex Ambulance Service NHS Trust

Between January 2001 and June 2002 the trust reported meeting the government target of reaching 75% of all the most serious calls in eight minutes.

However, since it changed its method of recording data, its performance for category A calls has dropped to below 75%.

CHI, which inspects every NHS trust in England and Wales, also said the Essex trust had traditionally managed its staff through a command and control culture.

"This has led to some bullying and there is a lack of communication with and empowerment of staff," the report said.

Adverse effect on staff morale

CHI found staff generally were committed to providing high quality care, were kind and caring with patients and people were treated safely.

But the report said the trust's drive to achieve and maintain response time targets had had an adverse effect on staff morale, and it raised concerns about financial incentives offered to staff to improve performance and reduce sickness levels.

Employees expressed frustration over not always having access to cleaning facilities for ambulances and equipment being removed without explanation.

Mr Goodwin said he was delighted that CHI had recognised the commitment and expertise of staff.

He also said the report was a picture of the trust at a particular time when it was under great pressure to meet response time targets, and that the situation is improving.

"This report accurately reflects where the Trust has been in the past but not where it is today or where it is going," he said.