Need to know
For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 23 April 2024 at 15:52
It has been a few months now since we moved to the new localities of east and west and I wanted to take the opportunity to reflect on the many changes that have taken place.
Before I do that I would like to introduce myself to the staff that I have not yet had the opportunity to meet. I have worked in EEAST for just shy of 20 years and with hand on heart, can proudly say that I still love the ambulance service today, as much as the day I started. When I joined as a call handler I never thought I would be in a position where I could shape and influence how a modern ambulance service functions. As a paramedic, I still like to ensure that I remain close to the frontline to offer the best support to staff where possible.
A lot has changed over the years mainly around the increase in ambulance demand, but the one thing that remains is the pride, passion and professionalism that our frontline, EOC and support services staff provide in delivering first class care to the public during their time of need; I thank you for that.
With the recent and sad atrocity in Manchester, it further highlights what an integral and important role everyone in our organisation has to play in responding to such a demanding and sad incident. Our thoughts are very much with the families that have lost loved ones and our fellow emergency service colleagues who responded to such an awful situation.
I recently tested our own Major Incident plans as a Gold Commander in a resilience exercise around the Sizewell B power station, working alongside other multi-disciplinary organisations. It was important to test our own plans to make sure they remain current and can deliver the required arrangements in the event of any large scale situation. I am pleased to say that the whole exercise went really well and provided the confidence and reassurance that our plans are robust.
Since being in post as a Deputy Director I have focused on trying to build my team to ensure that as a group of managers (many who have progressed through their career from the frontline), we are able to deliver the best support to you all; while operationally keeping many plates spinning, as we all do. They do a remarkable job in ensuring we deliver against a number of priorities, so a big thank you to all of the Sector Heads, SLMs, DLOs and Supervisors across the Trust.
Engagement features strongly within my role and over the coming months I have planned a day with each SLM in my area, to undertake a tour of their patch. I hope to get to know a bit more about each individual area, as well as having the opportunity to meet staff. I also have a number of dates planned where I will be “ambulance and RRV” hopping, to get to know you more and also provide you with the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. I would encourage all staff in the east locality to join the Facebook Virtual Crew room and also sign up to the Trust Twitter and my own @EEAST_DDEastL to see and hear what is going on in your local areas and across the Trust. Lastly as part of my engagement plan this year, I will be spending the day out and about with members of our executive leadership team so please don’t be shy and come and say hello.
I would like to also make a special mention to the many new staff that have joined us recently. I have met with a number of IAP’s, AAP’s and Graduate Entry staff over the months and it’s been great to see so many new joiners embarking on a new career with EEAST. Many of you will come to learn that the Trust is like a second family with colleagues from all sorts of backgrounds providing such essential support to one another and offering a great social camaraderie. A big welcome to you all!
Lastly I wanted to finish by mentioning a little about what our patients think as that is what our service is all about. I have been really proud to see so many letters of appreciation and thanks directly from patients to the staff that have helped them. We touch the lives of many every day and your care and compassion to both patients and their relatives is what is left behind but never forgotten. It is humbling to read the stories of those who have met with patients after quite literally saving their lives and for me that is what the ambulance service is all about.
Have a good week,
Karl
MAY YOU BE PROUD
OF THE WORK YOU DO
THE PERSON YOU ARE
AND THE DIFFERENCE
YOU MAKE
Published 1st June, 2017