999 call response times have been fiddled

The report by the Commission for Health Improvement, reveals the Trust was "reporting its response times as quicker than they actually are" and lacking well developed systems to maintain and improve quality of care.

The Trust has also experienced teething problems with its new emergency despatch system - which meant the nearest ambulance was not sent to 999 calls - and some were sent to wrong addresses.

The document revealed that on occasions the wrong hospital was alerted to a patient's arrival and the organisation has "limited strategic vision around managing risks to staff and patients".

West Yorkshire Metropolitan Ambulance Service's (WYMAS) communication with staff is described as "poor" with crews frustrated by high workloads and lack of regular breaks.

Dr Peter Homa, the Commission for Health Improvement chief executive said: "There are a number of areas where West Yorkshire Metropolitan Ambulance Service NHS Trust needs to improve the quality of care it provides to patients."

In a statement WYMAS admits the review raised concerns about "the accuracy of some of its information" but says these concerns have been addressed and revised procedures put in place.

The statement added: "WYMAS has now invited a team of external auditors to verify that the current systems are robust and accurate.

"Concerns expressed by staff over workload pressures have always been acknowledged by the Trust."