POOR radio communication and a lack of staff washing facilities have been highlighted in a watchdog report on Skipton Ambulance Station.

Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) forum members for the Yorkshire Ambulance Service visited the Broughton Road building in November.

They looked at a range of issues including vehicle maintenance, equipment, staffing, patient care and work environment.

Among their findings was the fact that the station's radio communications system was "very poor" since the removal of a mast at Birkenshaw, near Bradford.

They said static hindered conversation and added: "Indeed, on some occasions crews have been known to dial 999 in order to gain access to control in order to either supply or gain information, normal lines being too busy to contact. The question was asked when will an effective radio communication system, such as that used by the police, be introduced? The ambulance service deal with life-saving situations every day of the week and are still expected to use a sub-standard system.'"

The PPI members noted, however, that there had been a significant improvement in the supply and detail of information provided by the control centre.

The report also pointed out that staff were not provided with in-house laundry facilities to wash their uniforms and had to do this at home.

It said: "This cannot be a hygienic way of running a station in the 21st century. In a worst case scenario, infected clothing could well be transferred to crew members' houses, putting themselves and their families at risk. A system should be immediately sought to update this practice.

"On occasions it has even been known that crew members have had to go home to shower and change after having dealt with a particularly messy job."

The ambulance station has five paramedics, four technicians and four part-time members of staff, who work on a rota basis.

Although sickness levels are good, the report noted that when times of absence coincided with an overtime ban, it resulted in crew members having to go out on their own, therefore offering a less than efficient service.

PPI members also explained that while the 1950s-built station met staff needs, it was cluttered, in need of "TLC" and "did not do itself justice" - for example the garage was not tall enough to house the newer ambulances.

However, they said staff felt the station was well located to serve the geographical area and its 125,000 population.

Among the positive points raised in the report were that the station's ambulance and three other vehicles were all cleaned and maintained regularly and staff were encouraged to supplement their training.

It also said there had been no complaints from patients in the past two years.

John Emsley, operational manager for the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said: "We are pleased with the overall positive tone of this report. It acknowledges the efforts of our highly professional team of staff who provide a high standard of service to the community.

"Where difficulties with radio communications were discussed, the report recognises that there has already been a vast improvement in clarity. We should also see a change in quality once our planned move to digital radio takes place.

"The sections of the report relating to staff highlight much good practice and indicate good levels of morale. That staff are expected to wash their own uniforms is standard practice across the service."

PPI Forums are made up of local volunteers who are keen to influence and improve the way local healthcare is delivered. They have statutory powers to ensure health service providers listen to their views.

One of their primary roles includes making reports and recommendations on the range and day-to-day delivery of health services.