Medals at last
Monday, 08 August, 2011
Last month Health Secretary Andrew Lansley announced a new Queen's Ambulance Service Medal, which will distinguish exemplary service from NHS ambulance staff. The first medals will be awarded in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in Summer 2012.
The Ambulance Service now joins the Police and Fire emergency services in having a prestigious medal for outstanding service. This is particularly significant, as ambulance staff usually have to work with the police or fire services together when responding to 999 calls or major incidents.
The medal will recognise those with an exceptional devotion to duty - those whose service is marked by outstanding ability, merit and exemplary conduct, such as:
• Managing major, serious or dangerous operational incidents,
which make exceptional demands on personnel
• Prolonged service distinguished by exceptional achievement
and merit
• Work that results in significant improvements for patients
and/or staff
• Very high levels of performance when acting up to
more senior roles
• Taking a leading role in promoting staff training, knowledge
and skills
Jo Webber, Ambulance Service Network director said: "The Queen's Ambulance Service medal is a vital way to celebrate dedication and excellence among ambulance service staff. The ambulance service is at the very frontline of NHS care working 24 hours a day all year every year and it is important to recognize the excellent work they do."
