Need to know
For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 08 May 2024 at 04:16
This week our exec message comes from our new Director of Service Delivery, Kevin Brown. Now just four weeks into the role, Kevin shares his roots, his focus, and his first thoughts about EEAST and its people.
First things first – hello, and thank you for the warm welcome I’ve been given in my first few weeks here.
I feel somewhat like I’ve come full circle, as my roots in the ambulance service actually started in Hertfordshire back in 1985. I did 10 years as a paramedic, which was a job I never had a problem getting out of bed to do, and I really enjoyed my time here. It’s very true that the ambulance service is something that stays with you; I spent some time working in the police service when I left, and then in commercial healthcare, but after the London bombings in 2007 I was drawn back to our sector and joined London Ambulance Service. I was travelling into London at the time it all occurred, and I just had a sense of realisation that I needed to be back working in an environment that really makes a difference to patients, is challenging, and is part of a strong team. Today of course marks the four year anniversary of the Olympic Games in London, of which that strong ambulance service team played a huge part. I was privileged to be the central zone commander during the Games and I thoroughly enjoyed working with many staff from EEAST and around the country at that time. It truly reflected a time where spirits were great.
So it’s a pleasure to now be back at EEAST, as my first few weeks here have been simply brilliant. The way I have been welcomed has been great, and I’ve recognised a real hunger in people to make our organisation a success and to make sure the care we give to our patients is, for want of a better phrase, ‘top notch’.
This is my first Board level role so will no doubt be a steep learning curve for me. What has come across loud and clear is the absolute commitment of everybody to do the best for each other and our patients, but what is also really evident is the challenge in having to do all of those things in a very challenging financial environment. So far I’ve met with the senior team collectively, and on a one to one basis, to really understand what my priorities are going to need to be. I am trying to work my way around to meet many more colleagues in the range of really important roles that make us work for our patients and staff. I’ve heard about some amazing people and the things that they do for our patients and for each other. I’ve also managed to visit all three of our EOCs - without exception everybody I was able to speak with was proud to work for our Trust. I even enjoyed the singing at one site!
What I’ve experienced so far is that a large part of my time is taken up in providing external assurance and reassurance about our ability to get to patients in a reasonable time. Above all else, one of the single biggest challenges we face is getting staff recruited so that we can meet the expectations of those who buy our services, and receive them - and that all colleagues feel under less pressure. In the meantime, we have to provide commissioners with assurances that we are working on areas we know need to improve, and linking in with our system partners, like A&Es and clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), to try and free up capacity from hospitals.
I recognise that none of this in the whole system context is easy, but it’s really important that we do our bit. I’m really keen that everybody understands what the expectations on us are, and does their bit to support the Trust. And it’s important that we, as a Board, support every person in doing that. That also includes our amazing volunteer responders, who are key in helping us achieve the best for patients. During my time away from the ambulance service, I belonged to a community first responder scheme and we should never underestimate how much commitment they give.
In my role I have multiple priorities and responsibilities, but they all orientate around patient care, financial balance, quality and assurance and staff wellbeing. Shortly we will have our Care Quality Commission (CQC) report, which will be publically available, and I am keen that whatever we’re told we need to learn to improve we take on board and we embed into our daily lives. I’m a firm believer that external regulation is a good set of ‘checks and balances’ of what we’re doing. From what I have seen, I hope the great work that goes on by our staff is recognised.
So over the coming weeks and months I intend to visit all of our locations and meet as many of you as I can, and I’m sure I will see some familiar faces on my travels. I am still a clinician, so I’ll be pitching up at some calls as well to help and support, as well as at hospitals where I can meet and talk to you. I really welcome open and honest conversations - I’m strongly principled around fairness, proper treatment of each other, the ability to learn in a non-blameworthy way, and to respect everyone irrespective of the roles we have.
The ambulance service is an incredible thing, and I never forget what we’re here for – doing the best for our patients, and making a difference to people’s lives. It might not feel like it sometimes, but we do that every day; I recently heard from the family of a young boy I saved from drowning back in my Hertfordshire days. He’s getting on for 25 years old now and is getting married next year, and it was a really special moment to hear from him with an invite to his wedding. I always remember thinking when I left all those years ago that that was my one legacy point – one single life that I had absolutely saved. So the 10 years I had done as a paramedic had absolutely been worth it for that one boy alone. With my London service, I have completed 18 years and I still adore the job. That’s because of what the ambulance service does, it makes a difference. My promise is that, in every way I can, I’ll help enable you all to do what you do best – doing the best for our patients.
Have a good week,
Kevin
Published 28th July, 2016