Spare a thought for our ambulance crews
Christopher Benjamin, actor, Janet StreetPorter, broadcaster Gerard Depardieu, actor Duncan Ferguson, former footballer, David Knopfler, musician,
Gilles Simon, French tennis player, Salman Khan, Bollywood actor, AS we, the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, find ourselves in the middle of our busiest period of the year, it is also an appropriate time to reflect on everything we have achieved throughout 2017.
One of our big successes was securing a rating of ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission across all our service areas which is testament to the hard work and dedication of all our staff.
This year hasn’t been without its challenges, from unprecedented increasing demand and budget pressures to a constantly-evolving healthcare landscape, but we have continued to perform to a high standard.
We’ve also been at the forefront of many national developments including the largest clinical ambulance trial in the world – NHS England’s Ambulance Response Programme.
We were chosen as a pilot site for the project which focused on improving response times to critically-ill patients by making sure that the best, high quality, most appropriate response is provided for each patient first time.
Following the trial’s impressive results, NHS England has implemented new ambulance standards across the country.
This has improved the way we identify which patients need the fastest response and has also given call handlers more time to assess 999 calls so that patients in non-life threatening situations can get the right care first time, which may be treatment in their own home or onward referral to their GP.
Following our previous success with piloting various initiatives in NHS 111, we now have more clinical advisors than ever before.
It’s a real privilege to lead this organisation whose workforce makes a real difference to the lives of many people across our region every single day.
Do spare a thought for our dedicated staff and volunteers who will be working instead of celebrating over Christmas and only dial 999 in a genuine medical emergency to ensure that our ambulances are available for those who need them most.
Anyone with a minor illness or injury should use the appropriate services for their needs such as their local pharmacist or GP, attending a walk-in-centre or minor injuries unit or calling NHS 111.
While our staff work hard to keep you safe over the festive period, I would urge everyone to treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Finally, I would like to thank those staff and volunteers working over the festive period for their continued dedication, commitment and professionalism during what will be a busy time. It is, as always, very much appreciated by the Trust and, more importantly, our patients.