PTS Jayne Recognised with National Award

A member of staff from our Patient Transport Services (PTS) in Birmingham has been recognised for her exceptional patient care by the ambulance sector.

West Midlands Ambulance Service Pan-Birmingham PTS Renal Coordinator Jayne Smewin was announced as the winner of the ‘Outstanding Service Award’ at Tuesday’s Ambulance Leadership Forum 2021.

Jayne, who has worked for the service for 33 years, is based at the Trust’s Gravelly PTS hub in Birmingham and the phrase ‘she goes above and beyond’ is often used to describe her.

She was nominated for this national ambulance award for the exceptional way she looks after patients and staff alike.  She is known for the passion and commitment that she gives to ‘her’ renal patients, as that is how she sees them – part of ‘her’ extended family. 

Her immediate boss, Gravelly PTS Operations Manager, Kelly Paget, said: “Jayne really cares about her dialysis patients.  I would be lost without her; I call her my right hand.  She works incredibly hard to make sure that everyone; patients and staff, are looked after and she will go out of her way to make sure that this happens. When the first lockdown happened, she arranged shopping for many of the patients and then worked with some of the staff to deliver it to those who couldn’t get out as they were shielding. I’m really proud of Jayne, she deserves it. Well done!”

WMAS Non-Emergency Services Operations Delivery Director, Michelle Brotherton, added: “Jayne is well respected and highly thought of by the staff at the renal units and the patients.   The number of renal patients is increasing year on year and we are privileged to have Jayne lead and coordinate this patient group. Very many congratulations Jayne on receiving this award!”

Whether you ask her colleagues, the patients or the team at University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) whose patients are being transported, Jayne is known for the way she supports everyone and responds immediately to any requests.

Supporting Jayne’s nomination was Annette Dodds, UHB Renal Matron, said: “The past year has been extremely difficult, and Jayne has managed these extra pressures with great skill and dedication. Nothing is too much for her and all the renal staff feel that she is a valued member of the dialysis unit team.”

UHB Deputy Director of Innovation, Vicky Marshment, added: “I am always so grateful for Jayne’s open and honest approach and her willingness to step in herself to ensure a patient gets the support they need.  But she also works with us strategically to ensure that the PTS service works across our renal dialysis centres and the hundreds of journeys made each week.”

Due to the Ambulance Leadership Forum taking place virtually, Jayne was presented with her award by Michelle Brotherton, Non-emergency Services Operations Delivery Director, surrounded by her colleagues at Gravelly hub recently. On being presented with the award, Jayne, said: “I’m very honoured in getting this award. Without the teamwork of my colleagues none of this would’ve happened. All the renal units that have supported me I also appreciate how we’ve worked as a team. I just want to say thank everybody for all their support and all their help. It is such an honour getting this award. Thank you.”