Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what investigations are being carried out by the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAMB) on the use of approved drugs and medical equipment from East European countries; and how many members of staff of SECAMB are (a) on garden leave, (b) suspended, (c) being investigated and (d) have left employment in the last year as a result of allegations of misconduct or professional incompetence.

We are assured by NHS England and NHS Improvement that the Trust has recently taken a number of actions to ensure the safety of patients and staff. The Trust remains in special measures, which means it is receiving support and oversight from NHS Improvement. Ministers are regularly updated on progress.

The Department does not hold information on disciplinary action taken against South East Coast Ambulance Service employees. This is an internal matter for the Trust as an independent employer.