ACTS of courage, bravery and heroism have been celebrated by West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) at the Trust’s 2022 annual awards ceremonies.
The Staff Long Service and Excellence Awards, and Excellence in the Community Awards, were held at The Copthorne Hotel in Brierley Hill with more than 300 guests attending each ceremony. Guests included the Deputy-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Richard Boot OBE, and the High Sheriff of the County of West Midlands, David Moorcroft OBE.
This year, 19 members of staff were recognized for having given 20 years of service to WMAS, nine staff were commended for 25 years’ service, four received certificates for 30 years’ service, and one member of staff was honored for 35 years in the Trust.
Other awards handed out included Chief Officer Commendations, Student Paramedic of the Year, Mentor Awards, Apprenticeship Awards, Community Initiative and Partnership Awards, St John Ambulance Awards, CFR Long Service Awards, and the CFR of the Year.
Trust Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “To have the chance to recognize the extraordinary efforts of our staff, volunteers and members of the public is extremely important.
“Throughout the awards ceremonies we heard many fantastic stories of people going above and beyond what is normally expected of them, all for the same reason, to provide the very best levels of care to our patients.
“I would like to say a big thank you and well done to all of our award winners, I am incredibly proud of all of them.”
Deputy-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Richard Boot OBE, said: “It is an honor and privilege to be invited to events of this nature and to see the fantastic work done by ambulance staff and volunteers. It is reassuring that there are people such as these who do so many incredible things to keep us all safe. Without their dedication and resolve, the public would be much worse off.”
High Sheriff of the County of West Midlands, David Moorcroft OBE, said: “Everyone at the awards ceremonies should feel such pride for what they do every day. They have to do uncomfortable things, but they never let it bother them because their aim is to save lives and turn tragedies into stories of recovery. It is an honor to be with them and I commend them all for what they do.”
WMAS Chairman Prof Ian Cumming said: “It is important we recognize our staff, volunteers and members of the community because they all do remarkable things, day in, day out, despite the NHS facing some of the toughest challenges every seen. I send a huge and heartfelt thank you to them all for everything they do.”
The Trust’s awards were sponsored by University of Wolverhampton, G4S, J Tomlinson, Wolverhampton University, Staffordshire University, Birmingham University, Coventry University, University of Worcester, University of Cumbria, Mills and Reeve.
The following people were among the 2022 award winners, with their citations quoted.
WMAS Outstanding Student Paramedic of the Year – Craig Winter (based at Warwick Hub)
“This year’s winner has always gone above and beyond throughout his student paramedic journey, not just for his patients but also in his clinical ability and professional development.
“Always demonstrating best practice for his patients, our winner is described by his nominee as ‘one of the most dynamic and quick-thinking staff members I have had the pleasure of working with. Someone who always gives 100 percent to patient care and by working with him, you can see why he is popular with colleagues and his patients. He can have good clinical discussions whilst remaining critical and constructive and demonstrates the Trust’s values better than anyone I have worked with’.”
“Our winner passed his paramedic degree with a distinction, is enthusiastic, spoken very highly of by his peers and now, a paramedic at Warwick Hub, seems set for a long and successful career.”
Integrated and Emergency Urgent Care Mentor of the Year – Lyndsey Parkes (based in Brierley Hill)
“A call assessor for longer than five years, our IEUC Mentor of the Year took on the responsibility at the start of the pandemic of mentoring new 999 call assessors, something she did for a number of months – being flexible, accommodating and overall very supportive to the new staff and training team.
“She was always someone that the team could call on for help, with new and old staff for support, and has never turned down a request for help.
“Most recently during the new recruitment to IEUC, our winner has again stood up to support all of the new staff. She actively maintains contact with the team on her availability and flexibility to support new starters and the feedback received from staff is that the support she gives is fantastic, helping to build confidence with the feedback and guidance she offers.”
St John Ambulance Award—Jade Asson
“Jade Asson is the District Lead for Warwickshire and Coventry St John, as well as Staffordshire, Shropshire and Wolverhampton. That’s quite a large patch to look after, I’m sure you will agree.
“Jade has played an integral part of the unit responder program, organizing all of the training and ensuring a quality of service is at the highest standards. This is all on top of being a senior nurse in a busy A and E department.
“Being as busy as she is, I think we should be honored that Jade Asson has managed to squeeze in time to attend tonight.”
Nick Freeman – Chief Officer’s Commendation
“Nick Freeman has been a Community First Responder for ten years, initially starting in the Shrewsbury and Rae Valley scheme, before he moved to Telford where he became co-ordinator.
“A recruitment drive took place earlier this year to attract new CFRs to join the ranks and keen to put all of his experience to good use. Nick quickly volunteered to assist with buddy shifts for newcomers, some of which were as far away as Worcester.
“For not only helping many patients during the last ten years but also being prepared to assist newcomers, we ask Nick Freeman to come forwards and receive your comment.”