Private 999 provider goes into administration

Private ambulance company SSG UK Specialist Ambulance Service has gone into administration.

Andrew Beckingham and Siann Huntley of Leonard Curtis Business Rescue & Recovery were appointed joint administrators of the Essex-based company last week, almost a year after it was place in special measures by the CQC.

The company, which is part of Spanish medical transport and health services group Servicios Socio Sanitarios Generales, provides ambulance support services to a number of NHS Trusts and is one of the few private ambulance companies operating emergency 999 services.

It was rated Inadequate by the CQC at the end of last year after an inspection of its site in Fareham, Hampshire found medicines were not being safely managed and paramedic staff lacked training.

The company said it had taken the findings ‘extremely seriously’ and appointed a new managing director, David Harris, to take over leadership of the business in February this year.

In a statement, the administrators said that despite ongoing discussion with third parties to take on part of the business, it was likely to cease trading.

‘We are, of course, also assisting the affected NHS Trusts as they manage their requirements,’ they added.