Public invited to help shine a light on outstanding ambulance staff and volunteers

Members of the public are being invited to nominate ambulance staff and volunteers for going the extra mile.

North East Ambulance Service’s annual In the Spotlight Awards celebrate the exceptional achievements, compassion and dedication of the ambulance workforce across the region who together support the 2.7 million people across the 3,200 square miles that NEAS proudly serves.

The awards highlight the outstanding contributions made every day by NEAS employees and volunteers, recognising those who go above and beyond to deliver safe, high‑quality care to patients and communities.

Members of the public, patients and families can make a nomination in the Patient Choice category, and have until 31 March to nominate individuals or teams who have made a meaningful difference to them or their communities.

Last year, the service received 80 nominations from patients whose lives had been touched by its incredible staff.

Redcar-based paramedic Rachel Clarke and ambulance support practitioner Gary McKenzie were praised for their lifesaving intervention when they stopped a patient from jumping off a flyover bridge near James Cook University Hospital. The pair received glowing reports from the service’s judging panel as well as hospital staff and witnesses who watched as they jumped to action to save the person from what would be a catastrophic fall.

Newton Aycliffe-based paramedic Hope Burrows and newly qualified paramedic Annabel Faulkner, and Peterlee-based paramedics Bobbie Dove and Lauren Schofield, also received recognition for going above and beyond for a young patient and her family following a scary medical incident which led to hospitalisation. The patient’s loved ones remarked about how the crews showed an exceptional level of care, taking time out of their busy shifts to check in on the patient and provide reassurance to her family. The judging panel made note of their exemplary care all round and their embodiment of the service’s values.

NEAS Chief Executive Kev Scollay said: “Our awards ceremony is a real highlight in our calendar; every year, we hear stories that remind us just how extraordinary our people are.

“Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly every day to support patients and communities across the North East. These awards give us the opportunity to recognise the professionalism, compassion and innovation that define NEAS.

“We encourage everyone who has experienced exceptional care or support to share their story and nominate. We welcome submissions from patients, families, colleagues, and partners who wish to recognise someone who has made a difference to them or their community.”

You can submit your nomination through the NEAS website here: www.neas.nhs.uk/your-service/patient-feedback/nominate-our-staff