Update from Anthony Marsh - 16th July 2015

Every month the Board hears reports from the different teams at the Trust on how we are improving the organisation for the better and the achievements we are making. I wanted to share with you a recent figure about how the configuration of our frontline looks now, compared to January 2014. As you know when I arrived, we didn’t have enough frontline staff, especially paramedics but we are readdressing this balance. I am pleased to say we now have 406 more staff working on our frontline, of which we have 95 additional registered paramedics.

We know we need more frontline staff and paramedics, which is why we are continuing to recruit another 400 student paramedics this year. And of course those student paramedics who have already joined us will further increase our paramedic numbers over the coming years.

Due to the progression routes we have introduced, nearly 100 ECAs are now on their way to becoming emergency medical technicians or paramedics. We have now offered 36 of the additional 60 places for the six-week block course and 85 places on the modular course. As you know, upskilling our staff is one of our six priorities, so I will keep you updated on this and confirm when all of the places for this year have been filled.

If you haven’t already done so, make sure to book your place at the Trust’s Clinical Briefing on 29^th July – the full agenda was published on Need to Know last week. Due to demand we have increased the number of places but there are now less than 50 places left, so if you want to go email risk@eastamb.nhs.uk as soon as possible.

I would finally like to thank all staff who observed a minute’s silence last week for the anniversary of the 7/7 attacks in London. Across the east of England we paid our respects and remembered the huge role the emergency services played that day. It was a poignant reminder of what we are here for – to save the lives of our patients – and as always made me very proud to be part of the ambulance service.

Published 16th July 2015