THE long service and outstanding achievements of South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) colleagues and volunteers have been recognised in the final of three annual awards events.
The Trust’s Sussex ceremony, which took place at The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne, brought its awards season to a close with an astonishing more than 2,000 years’ service recognised across the three events.
Those receiving an award for 30 years’ NHS service included Sussex stalwart, Ray Mazhindu. Paramedic, Ray, who joined the ambulance service working for the patient transport service out of Brighton in 1994, is now SECAmb’s Head of Emergency Operations Centre Scheduling. He has enjoyed a long and varied career, which has seen him work both out on the road and in the control room.
This year was the first year since joining the service that he has not worked New Year’s Eve night in the city.
The event also saw 21 King’s Medals for Long Service and Good Conduct awarded to colleagues who have completed 20 years’ service in a front-line capacity. SECAmb was pleased to welcome Deputy Lieutenant of Sussex, Violet Hancock, to present the prestigious medals on behalf of the King.
SECAmb’s volunteer community first responders were also recognised for dedicating more than 10 years voluntary service.
Chief Executive Commendations, aligned to the Trust’s new values of courage, kindness and integrity, were awarded to colleagues. They included Paddock Wood Operations Manager, Natalie Cole being presented with a commendation for her work in developing the Trust’s TRiM (Trauma Risk Management) programme.
Natalie’s leadership, alongside colleague Andy Pattison, who was recognised at the Trust’s Surrey awards, oversees the programme, which assists colleagues recovering from traumatic incidents. The programme has provided critical support to more than 1,500 staff since its introduction.
Elsewhere, Emergency Operations Centre Operating Unit Manager and Paramedic, Wes Shaw was a popular recipient of a commendation for his work in leading colleagues through the challenging relocation from Coxheath and Ashford to their new home in Gillingham.
SECAmb Chief Executive, Simon Weldon, said: “I was proud to attend each of our award ceremonies to recognise colleagues’ long service and celebrate special achievements. A huge well done to all our winners. We have amazing people working for SECAmb demonstrating outstanding skill and care for our local communities.
“I would also like to pay tribute to all our volunteers. The support they provide is vital. The achievements showcased at our awards represent just a small percentage of the incredible work which goes on across our region every day.”
Local winners of the awards included Robbie Laing, Associate Ambulance Practitioner/Technician and Simon Matthews, Associate Ambulance Practitioner/Technician both from the Polegate depot who received the Kings Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct.
Paul Crouch, Community First Responder from Eastbourne received the award for 10 Years’ Voluntary Long Service.
 colleagues and volunteers have been recognised in the final of three annual awards events.){kind=link}