Month: November 2020

Jordan Eggington – Monday 30^th November 2020 – 9am.

 T’was the day before December, and all through the land,
 Morale was low, with little joy to hand,
 2020 was a year that won’t be forgotten, 
 Seeing loved ones from a distance, for many it’s been rotten, 
 But one thing’s for sure, we’ve all come together, 
 To spread joy while we can, remembering loved ones forever,
 Now as we look forward, to a year with new hope,
 We take time to say thanks, as we’ve all had to cope.

There’s no doubt that 2020 has been a challenging year for all of us, with everyone experiencing their own personal struggles. Within the Trust, this year has seen mass recruitment in call assessors to cope with demand, students stepping in on the frontline and staff even making the brave decision to move away from home in order to keep both their families and patients safe.

Although the word ‘sacrifice’ comes to mind when thinking about 2020, so does the word ‘grateful’.

“2020 has made me appreciate life, because at the start of the year I almost lost mine…”

“I am thankful for being able to play a small part in helping people…”

“2020 was the year I helped bring life into the world…”

These are the words of just a few of our colleagues. Starting tomorrow, we are launching the #WMASAdvent Calendar. With everything that’s happened (or hasn’t) this year due to the pandemic it could be very easy to sweep it under the carpet, but our staff wanted to take the time to reflect and appreciate what 2020 has given them. Each day up until Christmas Eve at 8:30am you will hear from one of our colleagues saying what they’re thankful for on the @officialwmas social media pages, as we head into a more hopeful 2021.

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Claire Brown – Monday 30^th November 2020 – 8.50am.

A car driver died following a collision in Warwickshire yesterday.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called by the police to reports of a collision involving a car and a stationary HGV on the A5 roundabout near the Blue Boar Inn in Mancetter, Atherstone at 6.46am yesterday (Sunday). Two ambulances and a paramedic officer attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When ambulance crews arrived, they found a car which had been involved in a collision with a stationary HGV. It quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save the driver of the car, a man, and he was confirmed dead on scene.”

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Shaunna Farley – Friday 27th November 2020 – 10:10am.

For most people, 2020 has not been the best of years, but as we approach the year end and you are looking for motivation for a better 2021, then hearing about what Kelleigh Ash has achieved in just 12 months since joining West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) will undoubtedly boost your morale.

After joining the service in May 2019 as a Patient Transport Service (PTS) apprentice, Kelleigh’s list of achievements has grown at a rapid rate. The first obstacle she overcame was passing her driving test which meant she could begin driving PTS ambulances to collect patients and take them to and from essential hospital appointments. With that experience behind her, Kelleigh’s progress continued as she joined the Trust’s High Dependency Unit (HDU).

The High Dependency Unit is part of the Patient Transport Service and mainly involves hospital transfers and the collection of patients who a GP has seen and has asked for them to be taken to hospital, either to the Emergency Department or a Medical Assessment Unit. These staff have additional training to the standard PTS crews which allows them to take observations and check that there are no significant changes to the patient whilst en-route. They carry out monitoring using the likes of blood pressures and pulse readings and their ambulance is equipped with a defibrillator and oxygen.

Just a few months into her apprenticeship, Kelleigh attended a motorbike accident that happened near the PTS Hub she was based at in Coventry. Upon seeing the RTC, Kelleigh and her crewmate, Amanda, leapt into action. Rather than panicking or being overawed by the situation, she put the skills she had learnt during her first eight weeks with the service to good use to help provide the best level of patient care possible. So much so, that her work that day resulted in Kelleigh receiving a Chief Officer’s Commendation from Trust Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh.

Not content with that, Kelleigh has continued to show a determination to progress and has completed her C1 driving licence theory test and is awaiting a date to complete the practical element. She has done this as she is about to embark on her Advanced Ambulance Practitioner Training in order to become a Trainee Technician with the service.

Kelleigh said: “I’m in disbelief at how much I’ve been able to achieve this year, although I take pride in the fact that I’ve worked so hard for this and I must say, none of this would have been possible without the support of my amazing PTS team. I’m really looking forward to progressing even further with my career in WMAS and I really hope I can inspire other people to chase their goals!”

Michelle Brotherton, Head of Patient Transport Service said “It’s great to hear about Kelleigh’s achievements and progression at the service since joining as one of our Patient Transport Service apprentices. I wish her the best in her further progression with the service and in becoming a Trainee Technician.”
There are lots of opportunities to join West Midlands Ambulance Service, if you would like to find out more about the roles available, visit https://wmas.nhs.uk/careers-staff-room/

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Jamie Arrowsmith – Friday 27^th November 2020 – 9.35am.

A man has died following a collision between a car and a cyclist in the early hours of this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called by West Midlands Police to Midland Road, Darlaston at 1.09am and sent two ambulances, two paramedic officers and a MERIT trauma team to the scene, which included a doctor and a critical care paramedic. The first resource was on scene within three minutes.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews arrived to discover two patients, one of whom, the cyclist, was in a critical condition.

“Colleagues from the police were already administering CPR on our arrival and were assisted by colleagues from the fire service.

“Ambulance staff administered specialist trauma care and administered advanced life support but sadly, despite everyone’s best efforts, it became apparent nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“There was one patient from the car, a woman, who was a front seat passenger. She was out of the car on our arrival and after receiving treatment for non life-threatening injuries, she was taken to Walsall Manor Hospital for further assessment.”

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Jordan Eggington – Wednesday 25^th November 2020 – 8:40am.

A man has died after a high impact single vehicle RTC in Temple Grafton last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received the call from police at 7:13pm (Tuesday) to a road traffic collision outside the Blue Boar Inn. Two ambulances and a paramedic officer attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find a van with significant damage and the driver, a man, trapped inside.

“Staff worked with fire colleagues to extricate the patient from the vehicle. Sadly, despite best efforts, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

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Murray MacGregor – Tuesday 24^th November 2020 – 4.00pm.

A student paramedic who had his jaw broken so badly that it needed a metal plate inserted says he hopes a tough sentence will serve as a warning to others who attack emergency services staff.

Chris Cooling, 40, was part of an ambulance crew that was called to treat Jamie Davies in Winifred Avenue, Earlsdon, Coventry, after he reported having breathing difficulties.

Davies, 21, proceeded to attack Mr Cooling punching him in the face breaking his jaw.  Davies was charged with causing grievous bodily harm and today was jailed for seven years and two months after entered a guilty plea at Coventry Crown Court.

Mr Cooling has yet to return to operational duties due to ongoing pain in his jaw and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  He said: “I am extremely happy with the outcome of the court case and hope that it serves as deterrent to others.

“This incident has had a massive impact on me; I have so far lost seven months of my life to this attack and I am not yet able to resume my career, a career that I love.  This court case has re-opened old wounds and I fear I will always have to live with the fear of something like this happening again. 

“Like my colleagues, I come to work to help people.  Whilst I suffered particularly severe injuries many others have also been attacked.  It is sentences like this that will make people stop and think before they do something similar, yet too often the sentences do not reflect the effect such incidents have on us.

“I would like to thank West Midlands Ambulance Service for their support throughout and also to West Midlands Police for their quick response and the Crown Prosecution Service for putting such a strong case together.”

Coventry Senior Operations Manager, Dan Swain, added: “This sort of attack cannot be allowed to happen again and I am so pleased that the Judge took such tough action.  I have accompanied too many staff to similar trials and never seen such a strong outcome.  I really hope that it makes the point that this sort of attack is not acceptable and that other members of the judiciary follow this lead.”

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “When I heard about this assault on one of my crews, I was horrified.

“The length of time that it has taken Chris to recover is a sign of just how serious this assault was.  Not only has it been awful for him, but it has robbed the public of a hard working member of NHS staff at a time when the health service is under immense pressure.

“I am determined that we will work with police colleagues to bring anyone who attacks my staff to justice.”

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Claire Brown – Tuesday 24^th November 2020 – 11.45am.

A two-car collision in West Bromwich left three women and a man needing ambulance treatment earlier today.

The incident happened on the A41 Birmingham Road in West Bromwich at 4.00am this morning (Tuesday). Four ambulances, two paramedic officers and a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Ambulance staff treated four patients in total who had been involved in the collision.

“The driver of one car, a woman, was found to have suffered injuries not believed to be serious. She was conveyed to Sandwell Hospital for further checks. Two other women from the same car were assessed by ambulance staff, both required treatment on scene with one suffering more serious injuries. The two women were conveyed to Sandwell Hospital for further care.

“The occupant of the second car, a man, was treated on scene for non-serious injuries before being taken to Sandwell Hospital.”

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Claire Brown – Tuesday 24^th November 2020 – 11.30am.

One teenager has sadly died, and another has been taken to hospital following an RTC in Solihull last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received calls to reports of a single car RTC on Kenilworth Road, Knowle in Solihull at 9.39pm (Monday). Two ambulances, two paramedic officers and a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Ambulance crews arrived at the scene to find an overturned car. The passenger, a teenage girl, had managed to self-extricate from the vehicle but the driver, a teenage boy, was trapped and in a critical condition. An off-duty doctor and bystanders had commenced CPR prior to crews arriving.

“Ambulance staff worked quickly with fire colleagues to release the teenager from the vehicle and commenced resuscitation efforts. Crews worked as a team to administer advanced life support on the boy but sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone, nothing could be done to save the teen and he was confirmed dead a short time later.

“The girl was assessed and was found with no apparent injuries but, due to the nature of the collision, was conveyed to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further checks.”

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Claire Brown – Tuesday 24^th November 2020 – 10.15am.

Four occupants, including a man in a critical condition, were rescued from a house fire in Tunstall last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received a call from the fire service reporting the house fire in Knight Street, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent at 11.33pm yesterday (Monday). Four ambulances, a paramedic officer and a North Staffordshire BASICS Doctor attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When ambulance staff arrived on scene, the fire service were in the process of rescuing three occupants, who were conscious and breathing, from the property. A fourth occupant was then found inside the property in cardiac arrest.

“Ambulance, fire and police colleagues worked quickly to commence CPR on the fourth occupant, a man. The doctor and team of ambulance staff then took over full resuscitation efforts and started advanced life support which successfully managed to restart the man’s heart. He was taken on blue lights, in a critical condition, to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further emergency care.

“The two females and male were assessed by ambulance staff for smoke inhalation and were discharged on scene.”

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Claire Brown – Tuesday 24^th November 2020 – 9.30am.

Two women and three men received treatment by the ambulance service before being taken to hospital following a single car RTC in Handsworth last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to a car which had reportedly collided with a tree on Park Lane in Handsworth at 9.45pm yesterday evening (Monday). Three paramedic officers, four ambulances and HART paramedics attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find five occupants from the car requiring treatment.

“Two men received treatment on scene from ambulance staff; one suffered more serious injuries than the other. They were both conveyed to Sandwell Hospital for further treatment. A third man and two women from the vehicle were also assessed by ambulance staff and were found to have suffered varying injuries. Each patient was given treatment on scene before they were all taken to City Hospital for further checks.”

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Murray MacGregor – Tuesday 24^th November 2020 – 8.00am.

“I would be dead now if it wasn’t for SALS; they saved my life and have changed my life.”  The words of a paramedic after being helped by the Trust’s Staff Advice and Liaison Service, SALS. 

SALS is a peer support network in West Midlands Ambulance Service that provides signposting, advice and a listening ear to all members of staff.  They develop safe, confidential, non-stigmatising services for staff to turn to when they are struggling and need help.  It includes confidential advisors who are able to facilitate Social, Emotional, Educational Support meetings in the event of a particularly distressing incident.

Today, Elaine Weaver, who co-ordinates the scheme has been revealed as one of ten nominations who have been chosen as regional champions for the prestigious NHS Parliamentary Awards in ‘The Wellbeing at Work Award’.  The Awards give MPs and NHS leaders the opportunity to honour health and care staff who have helped to improve treatment for patients.

With the mental health of staff being recognised as a national imperative, the SALS team, which is co-ordinated by Elaine is helping around 1,000 staff a year. Their work includes supporting staff after a traumatic case, helping them cope with bereavement and work related stress. 

Elaine has worked for West Midlands Ambulance Service for 27 years as a Capital Accountant.  She became a SALS Advisor 10 years ago and took on the lead role three years ago.  SALS now boasts over 40 trained peer advisors who are available 24/7 for staff when they need that help. 

Elaine said: “My talents for problem solving and critical thinking, empathy and understanding of issues faced by ambulance staff have helped me mould the SALS team to the strong peer support team it is today.

“Building on experience, I have utilised connections to community charities and internal avenues to tackle problems faced by members of staff. I am proud to have forged connections with other Ambulance Services, holding a national peer support forum and assisted other services in the creation of their peer support network.

“I am particularly proud that I was nominated by a number of our SALS Advisers unbeknown to me.  In their words, it is my passion, caring nature and support for them and my colleagues across the Trust in their hour of need that they put me forward.”

Paramedic Debbie Styzaker, who is one of the SALS Advisors, added: “Elaine has almost single handily bought SALS into its current position.  She works endlessly for SALS and is always ready to help any of the advisors.  I have known her to be contactable morning, noon and night; she is a wonderful asset not only to us SALS advisors but also to WMAS staff.”

The Trust supports this work by providing facilities and training for the SALS team.  Recently, it also employed two mental wellbeing practitioners to support the work of SALS so that even more staff can access the wellbeing support that they need.

Trust Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “I am immensely proud that Elaine will be representing the Midlands in the national finals; she would be a very worthy national winner. 

“The work the SALS team do means many staff, who might otherwise have spent time off work dealing with issues, are helped at an early stage allowing them to come to terms with the issue and return to work in a more comfortable and confident manner.  Not only does that help the individual, it helps patients too.

“While the figures for the number of staff they help may seem high (1:7 staff accessing the service) they are reassuring to me, because I know that individuals are getting the support that they need as they deal with the challenges of the job and also their home lives.

“With the impact of corona virus on the mental wellbeing of staff still relatively unknown, it seems inevitable that the SALS team will only get busier over the coming weeks and months.”

Dr Nigel Sturrock, Regional Medical Director at NHS England and NHS Improvement in the Midlands, said: “I was impressed by the high standard of all entries from the Midlands and choosing between the dozens of teams and individuals who all go above and beyond, to go forward and represent our region, has been incredibly difficult. I wish our champions the best of luck in the national heats and will be rooting for them on the day.”

Elaine and the other regional champions will now go head to head with other winners from across the country to be judged by a national panel made up of senior leaders representing staff and patients, for the chance to win the prestigious national award which will be presented at a special ceremony in the House of Commons on the 7 July 2021.

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Jordan Eggington – Friday 20th November 2020 – 11.15am.

A lorry driver has sadly died, after it’s believed he suffered a medical emergency behind the wheel this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 6:55am (Friday) to reports an HGV had crashed into the barriers on the M5 at Junction 1. We sent one ambulance, a paramedic officer, a critical care paramedic and the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When crews arrived, they found a man, who was the driver of the lorry in a critical condition, with bystander CPR already in progress.

“Crews took over treatment, with the critical care paramedic administering advanced life support to the patient. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

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Jordan Eggington – Friday 20^th November 2020 – 10:30am.

A man has sadly died, after a single vehicle RTC in Birmingham this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 5:56am (Friday) to reports a car had hit a tree at the junction of Wake Green Road and Yardley Wood Road in the Moseley area of the city. We sent two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the MERIT emergency doctor and critical care paramedic to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When crews arrived, they found one patient, a man, who was believed to have suffered a medical emergency whilst behind the wheel.

“The MERIT team worked quickly to administer advanced life support to the patient who was in a critical condition. But sadly, despite best efforts, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

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Claire Brown – Wednesday 18^th November 2020 – 2.30pm.

West Midlands Ambulance Service is proud to be helping to ‘kickstart’ youngsters career prospects with a fantastic opportunity to join the service.

The Kickstart Scheme is a government initiative which provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment.

The Trust has created 30 kickstart job placements across the Region as Vehicle Preparation Assistants which will see successful applicants work on ambulance hubs to assist with the cleaning and restocking of our fleet of front-line emergency ambulances; a role which is a key function in the Trust. The kickstart job placements are for 25 hours a week for a six-month placement.

Carla Beechey, Head of Human Resources, said: “We are very proud to have been granted the funding to be part of this fantastic initiative which will provide young people in the local area to our hubs, who are struggling to get a job, with a fantastic opportunity to get on the career ladder.

“Vehicle Preparation Assistants will carry out a key role in the ambulance service providing additional support to our established ‘Make Ready’ teams to ensure our front-line ambulances are clean, in good working order and stocked ready to respond to the next 999 call. This is an exciting and very rewarding opportunity to work for an outstanding ambulance service during a time of national emergency which will give applicants a wealth of experience and exposure to new skills.”    

If you are interested in applying for one of these placements, please speak to your Department of Work and Pensions advisor to find out more. The closing date for applications is Monday 23rd November. To find out more about the scheme visit www.gov.uk/government/collections/kickstart-scheme.

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Shaunna Farley – Tuesday 17th November 2020 – 3:30pm.

A man has been taken to hospital following a collision with a car in Birmingham this afternoon.

Two ambulances, a paramedic officer, a basics emergency doctor and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance attended.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “We were called to Dolphin Lane, Acocks Green in Birmingham at 12:27pm to reports that a car and pedestrian had collided.

On arrival crews found a pedestrian, a man, who had suffered injuries considered to be serious. Ambulance staff administered treatment on scene before he was taken to University Hospital Birmingham by land ambulance on blue lights and sirens, for further emergency treatment.”

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Jamie Arrowsmith – Monday 16^th November – 2.45pm

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “The Trust was informed of the introduction of traffic management measures in the Kings Heath area by Birmingham City Council in September.

“The  information about these measures was disseminated to ambulance staff working in the local area.

“To date, there have been no detrimental issues reported by staff in relation to responding to 999 calls in the Kings Heath area. We are confident that if the service did encounter any issues that we would work with the Council to resolve this.”

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Shaunna Farley – Friday 13th November 2020 – 11.55am.

Two people have been taken to hospital following two separate road traffic collisions near Redditch this morning.

Three ambulances, two paramedic officers and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham attended the two incidents.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “We were first called to the junction of Bromsgrove Highway and Alcester Highway at 8.26am to reports of a car that had overturned.

“On arrival, we found two patients. One of whom was an elderly woman who was cut free from the car by colleagues from the fire service. She was treated for injuries not believed to be serious before being taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham by land ambulance at normal road speed. The second patient, an elderly man, managed to get himself out of the car. He was also treated for injuries not believed to be serious and was taken to the Alexandra Hospital as precaution.

“A second collision occurred nearby, at the junction of the B4096 and Bromsgrove Highway, at 8.31am and involved three cars, one which collided with the central reservation.

“We assessed three patients in total. A woman who was uninjured and a man with minor injuries who were both discharged at scene whilst a second man did not require treatment.”

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Claire Brown – Thursday 12^th November 2020 – 9.00am.

A couple from Kidderminster are getting ready to showcase their Christmas lights display next month which they are dedicating to the ambulance service.

Bob and Sue Reeder, from Upton Road in Broadwaters, Kidderminster, have been transforming their house into a festive wonderland for more than 30 years to delight children and locals whilst raising money for various causes.

Setting up the display is no mean feat with hundreds of boxes of decorations to unpack and lighting to check and plug in. Sue, 70, is in charge of organising the decorations, and said: “We make a start with putting the decorations up during the first week of November to ensure the whole display is ready and working by the first Monday of December when we switch the lights on. It’s a big job but it’s something we’ve done for so many years that it’s second nature to us now and we love doing it.”

Over the years Bob and Sue have raised money for the armed forces, children’s wards, various charities and dogs homes but this year, they have decided to donate any money left by people passing by to look at their Christmas lights to their local ambulance hub in Worcester. Bob, 77, said: “Our great-grandson Logan has needed the ambulance service several times this year and we’ve been so thankful for the paramedics’ help each time. We are so grateful to the NHS and whilst other people raise money for hospitals, we wanted to say thank you to the ambulance service as they are often the first people who come to help you in your hour of need. After such a year, we hope that our display brings a smile and some joy to the neighbourhood.”

Liz Parkes, the Trust’s Senior Operations Manager in Worcester, said: “During the pandemic we’ve been overwhelmed with kindness from people across the Region but this is truly humbling and will definitely bring a much needed smile to a lot of people’s faces this Christmas. The effort that Bob and Sue put in to make their house a Christmas winter wonderland is quite remarkable and I would like to thank them on behalf of my staff at Worcester hub for dedicating it to us this year.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The couple will be officially turning on the Christmas lights in Upton Road, DY10 2UX at 5pm on Monday 7^th December.  

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Jordan Eggington – Tuesday 10^th November 2020 – 4.45pm.

A girl has been taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital after being involved in a collision with a car in the city this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 3:26pm to reports of an RTC involving a car and pedestrian on Church Road in Erdington. We sent the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford, the critical care car, a land ambulance and paramedic officer to the scene. The first resource was on scene within five minutes of the initial call.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find the pedestrian, a girl, in a serious condition after being in collision with a car.

“Staff worked quickly to treat the girl for her injuries at the scene before alerting Birmingham Children’s Hospital of their arrival via the Regional Trauma Desk located in the Trust’s Emergency Operations Centre. The land ambulance travelled on blue lights and sirens with the critical care paramedic onboard continuing treatment.”

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Jordan Eggington – Tuesday 10^th November 2020 – 3.40pm.

A man has sadly died after his car was involved in a collision with an HGV in Staffordshire this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 11:38am (Tuesday) to reports of a road traffic collision on Watling Street in Stretton. The Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a critical care paramedic and doctor on board attended the scene, along with two land ambulances and a paramedic officer.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When crews arrived, they found the car had crashed into a hedge at the side of the road as a result of the RTC. The driver, a man, was in a critical condition with bystander CPR already in progress.

“Working as a team, crews acted quickly in administering advanced trauma care to the patient on scene.

“Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

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Murray MacGregor – Thursday 5^th November 2020 – 4.30pm.

As we approach Remembrance Day, hundreds of staff within West Midlands Ambulance Service will have somewhere that they can pay their respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but also remember their own colleagues who have passed away.

Thanks to a donation from the NHS Charities Together, every WMAS site that can, is developing or upgrading a remembrance garden.

The idea is to provide each one with an outdoor area which is away from the hustle and bustle of everyday work; somewhere where colleagues can take time for quiet reflection.

To date, NHS Charities Together has donated £127,000 to the Trust to enhance the well-being of NHS staff, volunteers and patients impacted by COVID-19.  The board and trustees and management of the charity has agreed to spend the funding for a remembrance garden at each site and also purchase benches for these sites so that staff can socially distance more easily during their downtime.

Trust Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “We are tremendously grateful to NHS Charities Together for such a generous donation which I know has been welcomed by our staff.

“The development of the gardens is being led by the staff at each site to look at what they would like to achieve so that it is personal to them.  A number of sites such as those at Dudley, Erdington and Willenhall have already made excellent progress, often with the support of local suppliers who have provided services free of charge.  For example, at Willenhall, Whiting Landscape provided their assistance free of charge, which is both incredibly generous and very much welcomed. 

“This has been a year like no other due to COVID-19, but I have no doubt that the development of these gardens will make a difference to our staff and allow them time to reflect, remember and reminisce.”

NHS Charities Together is membership organisation representing, supporting and championing NHS Charities.  It provides a forum for nationwide fundraising and advocacy campaigns and gives over £1million every day to support the NHS and it’s staff so that they can enhance patient experience and care.  You can find out more about NHS Charities Together at www.nhscharitiestogether.co.uk/

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Murray MacGregor – Thursday 5^th November 2020 – 12.45pm.

A year ago to the day, West Midlands Ambulance Service took it’s first 111 call.  Today, 1.4 million calls later, staff are celebrating an incredibly successful first year. 

The Trust provides the service across the West Midlands (excluding Staffordshire) from a call centre in Brierley Hill. 

No-one could have foreseen the year that has just happened: as well as the many improvements implemented, the effect COVID-19 has had on 111 has been immense. The challenges and successes were heavily featured on the Channel 4 programme Paramedics: Britain’s Lifesavers back in the summer.

Head of 111, Rob Till, said: “We initially played a crucial role in arranging test appointments and providing results before testing was moved online.  More recently, we have become a gateway to many other NHS services such as urgent treatment centres and for GP appointments and that will continue over the coming months.

“In the last 12 months we have recruited 739 new call handlers and clinicians.  This means we are always one of the top providers for answering calls quickly. We also now have GP’s, advanced nurses and paramedics, dental nurses, mental health nurses and pharmacists giving specialist advice to patients, 24 hours day. 

“Having such a dedicated team meant we were able to maintain a great service to patients throughout the challenging COVID peak and continue to assist other 111 areas with their calls when necessary.

“Our staff have done an amazing job and we are in a really strong position ahead of the most challenging winter the NHS has ever faced.” 

Paul Maubach, Chief Executive of the Black Country and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Groups, who commission the 111 service, said: “I want to thank the staff who work within 111 for the exceptional efforts they have put into running this service during one of the most challenging periods the NHS has ever seen.  The fact that you have been able to answer so many calls, help patients and provide a great service is testament to your hard work. 

“111 has proved itself to be a vital part of the NHS and with the developments that are coming over the next 12 months I am in no doubt that you will continue to provide a great service for patients and continue to be a crucial part of the NHS.”

WMAS Integrated Emergency and Urgent Care Director, Jeremy Brown, added: “I am always very proud when our commissioners remark on what a great service the staff are providing.  When you consider the level of recruitment and our response to COVID-19, they really have been exemplary. 

“The future also looks exciting with the full integration of the 999 and 111 services which will benefit staff and patients.  We are already seeing an increase in the number of ambulance crews accessing the specialist advice available from the advanced clinicians in the 111 call centre, which is helping to reduce the number of patients being taken to A&E.  We also expect to see the further development of video triaging, which is already benefitting patients. The next year looks just as exciting as the first.” 

Trust Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh commented: “This has been a real success story despite the extraordinary challenges that the 111 service has faced.  With the developments coming, we will create an even better service. Congratulations to everyone in 111.”

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Claire Brown – Thursday 5^th November 2020 – 12.00noon.

A paramedic from Worcester is set to cycle, run, row and grow hair this month to raise awareness about male mental health and suicide prevention.

Kieran Hennah, a paramedic from Worcester hub, is joining two of his friends for the Movember challenge to not only help shine a light on male mental health but also raise money to support the Movember charity. The trio will not only be growing the obligatory moustache but they have also set themselves a target of covering 84km each week of November by running, cycling and rowing with 84 signifying the number of men who commit suicide each week. 

The Movember charity is a cause close to Kieran’s heart as, at the end of 2017, he found himself suffering with his own mental health. Kieran, 31 from Swansea, said: “I’d hit rock bottom without really acknowledging something was wrong but, looking back, I’d lost interest in everything that I’d previously enjoyed and was just not myself. My friends and family spotted that I was struggling and stepped in to help. The support I received from the service was great too and, after some consideration, I decided to leave my role in 2018 to take some time out to focus on my mental wellbeing.” In March this year Kieran returned to WMAS to help with the pandemic.

Talking about the challenge, Kieran, said: “Myself and my two friends Ed Jones and Neil Navarra decided to do a little challenge through November to raise money and awareness for male suicide as on average 84 males commit suicide every week. We can’t sit back and accept this, so we want to raise money for Movember to help them with their mission of reducing the rate of male suicides in 2030 by 25% through various approaches.    

“If we can get other men to look after their mental wellbeing, to be brave enough to ask for help and get support then it’s a great start. I have suffered with my own mental health but I got through it by accepting that I needed help and I urge other men to do the same if they’re struggling. You really aren’t alone.”

To support Kieran and his friends on their challenge, you can visit https://uk.movember.com/mospace/1908392?utm_medium=app&utm_source=ios&utm_campaign=share-mospace. To find out more about Movember and how they are helping to make a difference to mens mental health visit https://uk.movember.com/?home.

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Claire Brown – Thursday 5^th November 2020 – 8.45am.

A motorcyclist has died following a road traffic collision overnight near Market Drayton and Loggerheads.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a collision involving a car, tractor and motorbike on the A53 in Oakley Folly between Market Drayton and Loggerheads at 7.25pm last night (Wednesday). Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic were responded to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “An off-duty doctor and bystanders were already performing CPR on a man, the motorcyclist, when ambulance staff arrived on scene. Sadly, despite best efforts, nothing could be done to save the motorcyclist and he was confirmed dead on scene a short time later.

“The driver of the tractor and car involved were assessed by ambulance staff but both were discharged on scene.”

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Jordan Eggington – Wednesday 4^th November 2020 – 9.10am.

A pedestrian has been taken to Walsall Manor Hospital on blue lights and sirens after being involved in a collision with a car in the town last night.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 6:13pm on Tuesday to reports of an RTC on Wednesbury Road between a car and pedestrian. An ambulance, paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care Car attended, with the first resource on scene within three minutes of the call.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find the pedestrian, a man, on the floor with potentially serious injuries.

“The ambulance crew worked together with the critical care paramedic to treat the man for his injuries at the scene. The critical care paramedic then alerted Walsall Manor Hospital of their arrival via the Trauma Desk in the Trust’s Emergency Operations Centre. The patient was conveyed on blue lights and sirens to the hospital for further treatment.”   

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Claire Brown – Tuesday 3^rd November 2020 – 3.50pm.

A road traffic collision has left one man dead and a woman needing hospital treatment in Evesham this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 10.55am to the A46 near Evesham Country Park, Worcestershire to reports of a collision involving two cars and a lorry. Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham with a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic on board attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Sadly, nothing could be done to save the driver of one car, a man, and he was confirmed deceased on scene.

“The passenger of the second car, a woman, was given treatment on scene for injuries before being taken by land ambulance on blue lights to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further treatment. The driver from the same vehicle, a man, was assessed by ambulance staff but was uninjured and discharged on scene.”

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Claire Brown – Tuesday 3^rd November 2020 – 10.00am.

One man has died, and another has been injured following a single vehicle RTC in Stoke-on-Trent in the early hours of this morning.

West Midlands Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 4.02am (today) to reports of a car on its roof on Sandon Road, Meir, Stoke-on-Trent. Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and a North Staffordshire BASICS doctor were responded to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “When ambulance staff arrived, they found an overturned car with two occupants inside. The team worked closely with fire colleagues to rapidly extricate the driver, a man, to reach a passenger who was in more critical condition.

“Sadly, despite their best efforts, nothing could be done to save the passenger, a man, and he was confirmed dead on scene.

“The driver was given treatment on scene for injuries not believed to be life-threatening before being taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital for further treatment.”

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Murray MacGregor – Monday 2^nd November 2020 – 5.25pm.

A man has suffered potentially serious injuries after being run over by his own car.

The incident happened in Warren Farm Road in the Kingstanding area of Birmingham at around 2.50pm on Monday afternoon.

An ambulance, a paramedic officer, the Midlands Air Ambulance critical care car and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews were told that the man had tried to stop his car rolling backward but it had rolled over him.

“Bystanders were able to free him before ambulance staff arrived eight minutes after the 999 call.

“The man had suffered potentially serious injuries.  After being treated at the scene, the middle aged man was taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham with a critical care paramedic travelling with the crew.”

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Jordan Eggington – Monday 2^nd November 2020 – 2.45pm.

A cyclist is in a serious condition after being involved in a collision with a car in Coventry this afternoon.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 12:25pm (Monday) to reports of an RTC between a car and pushbike at the junction of Foleshill Road and Arbury Avenue in the city. We sent the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance Critical Care car, along with an ambulance and paramedic officer. The first resource was on scene within four minutes of the initial call.

A spokeswoman from West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “When crews arrived, they found the cyclist, a man, in a serious condition. Staff acted quickly to administer treatment at the scene, where the patient’s condition showed signs of improvement.

“The man was then conveyed on blue lights and sirens to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire for further treatment, with the Critical Care Paramedic and Doctor on board.”

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