WEST Midlands Ambulance Service provides an excellent service to people in the region, according to a report by the Independent Healthcare Commission.

It was given the rating follow the commission’s annual health check, which looked at two areas; quality of service and use of service. It was rated fair for the latter.

Top marks were given in areas such as standards of care, safety and cleanliness, time taken for patients to be seen and good management.

Value for money was assessed as good and the Trust met all of its financial targets.

Trust chief executive Anthony Marsh said:”This report is exceptional news for the Trust and proves once more the fantastic progress that we are making in shaping the new regional service.”