AMBULANCE chiefs have acknowledged criticism about management practices and bullying following an inspection by a health watchdog.

Wiltshire Ambulance Service NHS trust managers say the February inspection by the Commission for Health Improvement, and subsequent report, has helped identify priority areas for improvement.

The routine inspection found the trust's management was autocratic in some areas and lacked direction, but employees were praised for their enthusiasm and high commitment to patient care.

The commission recommended management training to help foster a more open, just and supportive culture for staff, which would also address bullying concerns reported by some employees.

Trust chief executive Dennis Lauder said the references to bullying and management style were symptomatic of the environment.

He said: "I believe this to be symptomatic of emergency services which operate on a command structure that can be misinterpreted.

"It relates more to a style of management than any actual physical threat. However, our staff is our most valuable and valued resource, so we take their concerns seriously and are putting in place more mechanisms for offering them better support."

The trust has already appointed a clinical manager, created new management posts and restructured the patient transport service to address some of the concerns.

Training and education, and an inadequate radio system were also highlighted in the report and work has begun to strengthen the human resources department to create personal development plans for staff and provide a confidential contact point.

Mr Lauder said: "This report has helped us to identify areas of good practice as well as raising areas for improvement. We welcome the opportunity this has given us to look at ways to improve while recognising the excellent work done by our staff."

Peter Homa, chief executive of the CHI, said: "It is important Wiltshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust provide more support to staff so they in turn can deliver an even better service to patients. There is still work to be done to ensure quality improvement is top of the agenda."