The event was the first in-person awards celebration for five years and was hosted by comic and radio presenter Alfie Joey. Over 60 members of staff were recognised for their outstanding contribution to the service and its patients from over 250 nominations from colleagues and members of the public.
The long service of 99 colleagues was also highlighted, celebrating a combined total of 2,410 years service to the 2.7 million people NEAS serves, across 3,200 miles.
The event was sponsored overall by Teesside University, which works closely with NEAS, delivering a BSc (Hons) Paramedic Practice degree, the Paramedic Apprenticeship programme and a range of development opportunities, training and developing our future emergency care workforce.
Associate sponsorship from Trustmarque, UNISON, Mary Gober International and North East Ambulance Service Unified Solutions, Multiconnect Communication Service Ltd and Windsor Telecom also supported the event.
The awards highlighted achievements of employees across 2023/24, during which the service answered more than 1.1m emergency 999 and NHS 111 calls, taking more than 229,000 patients taken to hospital, treating and discharging more than 27,000 patients over the phone and 106,000 patients at home or in the community.
Chief executive Helen Ray added: “Our colleagues at NEAS come to work every day to make a difference. Most of them chose a career in the ambulance service because they wanted to play some part in helping people on what might be the worst day of their lives – and that’s why we see so many people with great lengths of service that really are truly commendable. I know that most of our people don’t do it for rewards and recognition but it’s a key part of what we want to prioritise at NEAS so that the people who do these jobs feel appreciated and valued, empowered and trusted and above all, cared for.
“Our teams demonstrate incredible professionalism and this event is one opportunity to highlight them going beyond the call of duty. Well done to everyone nominated, shortlisted and of course our winners.
“Huge thanks also to our partners who have sponsored the event and supported this important milestone in our year.”
Ruth Mitchell, Associate Dean (Enterprise and Knowledge Exchange) at Teesside University said: “We know through working with NEAS, that the work everyone does is invaluable and makes a huge difference to the patients they care for.
“Spending time to formally celebrate the many achievements of NEAS colleagues and to thank them for their contribution, is what we were looking forward to and why we felt it important to support this event.”
Presented by deputy chair, John Marshall, this overall winner of the Chair’s award was paramedic apprentice year 3 student, Lauren Kay from Gateshead. The judging panel chose her because Lauren has consistently proven herself to be a committed student who has applied herself to her studies. She often supports her peers and is an ambassador for the Trust at events, as well as being a role model for the student paramedic apprenticeship.
“In particular, I’d delighted to present the Chair’s Award to Lauren. She continues to demonstrate the Trust’s values, highlighted by her peers nominating her as class representative. She is an ambassador for the service and her commitment will help to shape the future of our degree apprenticeship course.
“I would like to wish Lauren all the best for her future career at NEAS and congratulate her and her year 3 class for their upcoming graduation.”
The patient choice winners were nominated by members of the public – by patients themselves or their families.
Michael Dobinson, paramedic and Trevor Merry, clinical care assistant at Ryhope were nominated by the family of an elderly patient who they cared for in January this year.
They showed outstanding teamwork and interaction with the patient and were able to get her to agree to go to hospital.
Their cheerful disposition and “banter” took all tension out of a very difficult situation.
Tina Dyer, paramedic and Jan McLaughlin, advanced technician, at Redcar were thanked by a patient who looked after her and her baby after a miscarriage.
They looked after mother and baby with the upmost respect and dignity which made a horrific experience easier. The patient said she will be forever grateful.
The winners of the 15 categories were:
Excellence and innovation award
Rachel Wood
Staff experience practitioner Rachel Wood has received nominations for her work improving the wellbeing and welfare of EOC colleagues.
This has included the introduction of wellbeing dog visits and providing treats and arranging deliveries of breakfast snacks. All of these have helped to boost the morale of those working in a demanding environment.
Working in partnership award
Carol Anne McLachlan
Carol Anne McLachlan, safer care manager, has been nominated for the work she has lea on in order to make sure our risk management system, Ulysses, is up to date and compliant with the new national Learning from Patient Safety Events (LFPSE) system.
This has included liaising with NHS England to develop the system, making it more relevant to the ambulance sector, and internally, working on new training modules to ensure all staff are aware of the changes.
Leader of the year award
David Sunley
David Sunley, emergency operations centre team leader, has been nominated due to him striving to make things better – including development of his team, delivering consistently and implementing service improvements.
David has worked with his team and others on shift to instil an ethos across multiple teams that everyone counts, everyone matters, and that everyone has a part to play.
Education and training award
Linda Gibson
Linda Gibson, senior clinical advisor, Integrated Urgent Care (IUC) Clinical Advisory Service (CAS), has been nominated for her dedication to her role as trainer within the senior clinical advisor team, which has significantly elevated the quality of care to our patients.
She consistently demonstrates a willingness to adjust her working patterns to accommodate the demands of the business, ensuring that the team remains responsive and adaptable in the face of change.
Compassionate care award
Jayne Elliott
Gateshead paramedic Jayne Elliott has been praised for her support of a regular patient, who required further assistance and support from outside agencies.
Jayne ensured measures were put in place so that the patient would only return home once it was safe for them to do so, including making referrals to other organisations.
Inclusion and respect award
Sandeep Wales
Sandeep Wales, quality improvement advisor, has been nominated in her capacity of co-chair of our Together@NEAS staff network, highlighting NEAS as a place to work for inclusivity and diversity.
Sandeep will stand up for the values and behaviours in the Trust and is an advocate for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) colleagues.
Outstanding team award
TRiM
At NEAS, we have a number of Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) practitioners who are trained to assess how a member of staff is managing their responses to a traumatic event.
The dedication of Debora Wells, health and safety advisor, has meant that more practitioners have been trained, meaning more colleagues get a timely response to an assessment.
Having a process and dedicated practitioners in place has allowed for a positive experience from those colleagues needing the help and support from the TRiM programme.
Outstanding individual award – Unscheduled care
Zackary Neave
Zackary Neave, newly qualified paramedic at Middlesbrough has been nominated for saving the life of a member of the public while off duty.
Both Zack and the patient were attending a park run when the patient collapsed and suffered a cardiac arrest. Zack was able to use a nearby defib and start CPR before an ambulance crew arrived.
Through Zack's off duty actions, he has shown to the public, it is more than just a ‘job’, it's a privilege to serve the patients in our region.
Outstanding individual award – Patient transport service
Andrew Connor
Andrew Connor has been nominated for his dedication as a patient transport service communications officer.
He will make sure to solve issues, even if this means staying beyond his finish time and will always strive to get patients home regardless of their accessibility needs.
Andrew ensures the patient is front and centre in every journey he deals with, as well as maintaining relationships with health care professionals in other organisations.
Outstanding individual award – Support services
Lindsay Wardle
Lindsay Wardle, strategic HR and OD business partner, has been recognised for the support she delivers to the operations directorate.
Lindsay maintains great working relationships with operational managers, union colleagues and the wider ambulance HR network.
She has been invaluable during the restructure of the operations teams.
Outstanding individual award – Emergency operations centre
Rachel Brown
Rachel Brown, health advisor, has been nominated for her exemplary display of empathy and understanding.
In particular, Rachel has been commended on her handling of mental health patients and her ability to connect with patients to create a supporting and reassuring environment.
Recently. Rachel met with a young person who called after finding his dad had died in his sleep. The young person requested to meet Rachel because of the comfort she gave him that day.
She is a deserving candidate, making significant contributions to patient care, team dynamics, and overall service excellence.
Outstanding individual award – NEASUS
John Sharkey
Fleet systems controller John Sharkey has been nominated for his work to optimise the Trust’s fleet of vehicles.
He is helpful, knowledgeable and will always look for a solution to any issues.
The work John does allows all of our service lines to run effectively as possible, ensuring we can reach all of our patients.
Fleet systems controller John Sharkey has been nominated for his work to optimise the Trust’s fleet of vehicles.
He is helpful, knowledgeable and will always look for a solution to any issues.
The work John does allows all of our service lines to run effectively as possible, ensuring we can reach all of our patients.
Patient choice award
Trevor Merry and Michael Dobinson
Michael Dobinson, paramedic and Trevor Merry, clinical care assistant at Ryhope were nominated by the family of an elderly patient who they cared for in January this year.
They showed outstanding teamwork and interaction with the patient and were able to get her to agree to go to hospital.
Their cheerful disposition and “banter” took all tension out of a very difficult situation.
Patient choice award
Tina Dyer and Jan McLoughlin
Tina Dyer, paramedic and Jan McLaughlin, advanced technician, at Redcar have been thanked by a patient who looked after her and her baby after a miscarriage.
They looked after mother and baby with the upmost respect and dignity which made a horrific experience easier
The patient said she will be forever grateful.
Chair's Award
Lauren Kay
As a paramedic apprentice year 3 student, Lauren Kay has consistently proven herself to be a committed student who has applied herself to her studies.
Lauren often supports her peers and is an ambassador for the Trust at events.
She is a role model for the student paramedic apprenticeship.
