Queen’s Medal honours 7 ambulance service staff who’ve spent decades on the NHS frontline
Seven members of staff at North East Ambulance Service[1] have received the prestigious Queen’s Medal this week. The staff receiving the awards included Shena Hollyoake, Clare Edmonds, Phil Murray, Carl Bone, Karl Charlton and Sandra Glencorse. The medal – officially the Ambulance Service (Emergency Duties) Long Service and Good Conduct Medal – is awarded to those who’ve spent more than 20 years working on the frontline. It’s known as the Queen’s Medal as the medals are issued under a Royal Warrant and refer to service during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
Shena, who has worked for the emergency services since the year 2000, said: “This medal represents over 20 years of dedicated patient care and for every life saved, every life changed, every hand held, every baby delivered, every tear shed, every grief comforted, every colleague I have worked with, every hour of study and most importantly, every patient I have treated.”
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Meanwhile, Clare recalled one of her favourite memories of her stint at NEAS – which has lasted since 2001. She recalled stopping in her local Tesco on the way to a shift in South Shields[4], only to see three families she had helped on the job in quick succession. Phil, a specialist paramedic working from Blucher, added: “I’m privileged to be in a position to help others who require immediate medical assistance, and to work with colleagues and other emergency service partners, who are all working together to provide lifesaving treatment and relieve a patient suffering.
At times, it seems just like any normal job, but can be hugely appreciated by patients and families in their time of need.” Carl is a clinical team leader working at Pallion, while Karl is based at Coulby Station as a research paramedic. Sandra has worked at NEAS since 2002 and completed her paramedic course in 2008.
She is a clinical team leader and Blucher – and even met husband Mark working at Swalwell ambulance station. She said: “It can be quite an emotional rollercoaster but one I am passionate about and very proud to be part of. There is nothing better than going home after work, knowing you have made a real difference to someone’s life.”
NEAS chief operating officer Stephen Segasby added: “We are honoured to be able to host these presentation events to mark the hard work and commitment of our staff members. Presenting The Queen’s medals is a testament to the work they have achieved for the emergency services. “For many, this isn’t just a job, it’s a vocation and it’s a privilege to see the incredible work they have done and will continue to do.
They are an asset to the organisation so thank you to each of you.”
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References
- ^ North East Ambulance Service (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
- ^ ‘I lost everything – Post Office scandal left me feeling ashamed for doing nothing wrong’ (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
- ^ Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from the North East with our free newsletter (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
- ^ South Shields (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
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