Innovation and transformation within South East Coast Ambulance Service’s (SECAmb’s) Infection Prevention Control (IPC) team have been recognised on the national stage as Deputy Head of IPC and the team scooped up a national ambulance award.
Gavin Thompson and the IPC team was announced the winners of the Outstanding Champion of Innovation or Change Award at the Ambulance Leadership Forum (ALF) Awards in Windsor on Tuesday, 10 March.
Leading the development of an IPC app, Gavin was recognised for transforming the way SECAmb delivers IPC guidance to colleagues before, during and following patient care.
The app provides our clinicians with real-time information, including PPE requirements, decontamination procedures and guidelines and has received positive feedback from users. On launch there was a 200 per cent increase in engagement compared to the previous support hosted on the Trust’s intranet.
The app, which is available via colleague’s work iPads, phones, PCs and laptops, also provides quick access undertake risk assessments and links to NHS and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) guidance.
Hosted by the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE), the Outstanding Service Awards presented at ALF recognise and celebrate exceptional contributions within the UK’s ambulance sector.
The award recognised the outstanding contribution to improving how IPC information is shared and used in practice, helping frontline colleagues access the guidance they need quickly and confidently while delivering patient care. 
After receiving the news, Gavin said: “It's a real honour to receive this award. The app has been a team effort and was designed to make it easier for our frontline colleagues to access the latest IPC guidance quickly when they need it most. Knowing it’s making a difference to colleagues and helping support safe patient care is incredibly rewarding. Although I could sadly not attend the evening, I would like to thank Associate Director for Quality and Safeguarding, Philip Tremewan, for collecting the award on the teams' behalf.”
Another special award was also presented to our Chief Executive, Simon Weldon, recognising his time in the sector and his outstanding contribution to the ambulance service.
SECAmb further showcased its commitment to innovation and engagement during the ALF conference, where the Trust’s Shadow Board shared how it brings diverse voices closer to the Board and strengthens engagement across the organisation.
The session, led by Director of Communications and Engagement, Janine Compton, alongside Simon and Shadow Board members Harsimran (Sim) Nahal and Peter Stone, sparked strong interest from more than 150 ambulance leaders. Other trusts were keen to learn more about the initiative, with two Shadow Board members set to present again at an AACE event in June on their work around violence and aggression.
“Our ambition was genuinely to hear different voices, to create a visible, strong link from our frontline - meaning all staff delivering care and support across the organisation not just operational colleagues - to the Board," Janine said. “The Shadow Board is a success, but its real value lies in how others experience it. It must benefit both the organisation and its members.”
A huge well done to Gavin and Simon and to Sim and Peter for representing the Shadow Board at the event.
