HEROIC ACTS, BRAVERY AND LONG SERVICE CELEBRATED AT TRUST AWARDS

Heroic acts, heart-warming tales and long service were celebrated at West Midlands Ambulance Service’s annual awards ceremonies yesterday (Thursday).

The Staff Long Service & Excellence Awards and Excellence in the Community Awards were held at The Copthorne Hotel in Brierley Hill with almost 700 guests attending across the two events. Guests included the Deputy-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Ian Sargeant, and the High Sheriff of the County of West Midlands, Wade Lyn.

This year, 56 members of staff were recognised for having given 20 years of service to WMAS, 15 staff were commended for 25 years’ service, 14 received certificates for 30 years’ service, three members of staff were honoured for 35 years in the Trust whilst two celebrated the incredible landmark of 40 years of service. Other awards to be handed out included Chief Officer Commendations, Student Paramedic of the Year, Mentor Awards, Apprenticeship Awards, Community Initiative and Partnership Awards; St John Ambulance Awards; CFR Long Service Awards and the CFR of the Year.

Trust Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “In the aftermath of the pandemic, the continuing cost of living crisis and everything else that is presenting us all with challenges at the moment, it is fantastic to have the opportunity to celebrate some of the incredible achievements of our staff, volunteers and members of the public.

“We are extremely lucky to have such a professional workforce and team of volunteers who have a desire to always do their very best for the patient.

“There were so many stories of people going above and beyond, in all sorts of situations, and to everyone who was recognised at these fantastic events, I would like to say a big well done, and thank you.”

Deputy-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Ian Sargeant, said: “Being at the awards made me extremely happy. There are lots of others words I could use here, but ‘happy’ is the right one.

“That is because an organisation such as West Midlands Ambulance Service only works if everybody comes together, from those on the frontline to those behind the scenes, and everyone in between.

“We’ve heard about tales of commitment to care, loyalty, bravery and dedication and it was an honour to be present to see some outstanding members of staff recognised.”

High Sheriff of the County of West Midlands, Wade Lyn, said: “It is so important people are recognised for the excellence they show, and we have seen people from across the region celebrated, which is fantastic.

“There are so many selfless people recognised at these events, all of whom are a real inspiration to their communities.

By celebrating heroes we recognise the positive impact they make and encourage others to follow in their footsteps, which is so important. Well done to you all.”

Prof Ian Cumming, WMAS Chairman, said: “It is important we recognise our staff, volunteers and members of the community because they all do remarkable things, day in, day out, despite the NHS facing some of the toughest challenges every seen. I send a huge and heartfelt thank you to them all for everything they do.”

The Trust’s awards were sponsored by Coventry University, University of Wolverhampton, University of Worcester, Mills and Reeve, Medskills Academy, Birmingham City University, Jays Sourcing, Staffordshire University, VCS Ltd, DS Medical, G4S, Advantage Storing and Handling Ltd and Defibshop