Name: Alex Mckerlie
Job Title: PTS Operations Assistant
Base: Stafford
Length of service: 5 ½ years
Role within WMAS:
As well as dealing with ‘999’ emergency calls, West Midlands Ambulance Service plays a key role in getting thousands of patients to their out-patient appointments. Every year, staff complete in the region of 800,000 non-emergency Patient Transport Service (PTS) journeys.
Alex’s role is to take bookings for these patient transport journeys. Alex takes bookings from array of individuals including patients, hospitals and GPs to name a few.
Alex is based within a dedicated control room in Tollgate, Staffordshire where approximately 20 call handlers and controllers work to dispatch 320 vehicles to patients around the whole region each day. A smaller centre call centre operates at University Hospital Birmingham (UHB) which deals solely with UHB patients.
Christmas day plans:
Luckily for Alex he will be spending Christmas day and boxing day at home.
Top tip for winter:
Choose Well – Walk-in treatment centre / urgent care centre / minor injuries unit
They offer confidential healthcare advice and all the services you would expect from your local GP including immunisations, presciptions as well as some minor surgery and help for minor injuries. They are usually open from early morning until late at night and you do not need an appointment to be seen by an experienced nurse or GP. These centres offer a range of treatments, complementing the services provided by local GPs and hospitals. Examples of ailments best treated by this service are:
- Cuts
- Itches
- Sprains
- Strains
Check out NHS Choices www.nhs.uk for more information.