More than 100 ambulance colleagues from South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) have celebrated major milestones in their careers after completing programmes that will help them continue providing high-quality care to patients across the South East.
On Friday 24 October, 116 learners and their guests attended a graduation ceremony at Lingfield Racecourse to recognise the dedication, hard work and perseverance of colleagues who have successfully completed a range of professional development programmes.
The ceremony celebrated staff at different stages of their careers, from those beginning their journey in frontline care through to experienced clinicians developing advanced and specialist skills including emergency care support workers (ECSWs), associate ambulance practitioners (AAPs), newly qualified paramedics (NQPs), advanced paramedic practitioners (APPs) and critical care paramedics (CCPs).
Family and friends joined colleagues for the event, along with representatives from SECAmb’s education partners, Chichester College Group, the University of Cumbria and City St George’s, University of London.
Many of those recognised balanced demanding frontline roles with studying, assessments and family commitments as they worked towards their qualifications.
Head of Education, Mandy Stevenson, said: “Completing these programmes takes an enormous amount of commitment, particularly alongside the demands of working in the ambulance service.
“Every person recognised at the ceremony should feel incredibly proud of how far they have come. Their hard work not only supports their own development but strengthens the care we are able to provide to our patients and communities across the South East.”
Among those celebrating was Gatwick-based Kieran Brooks, who graduated as a newly qualified paramedic after six years with SECAmb. Kieran completed this latest stage of his development while balancing shift work with life as a new parent.
Also recognised was Medway-based Holly Doye, who completed her Associate Ambulance Practitioner programme. Holly previously worked in SECAmb’s Emergency Operations Centre before moving into a patient-facing frontline role, building on the knowledge and experience she gained supporting patients over the phone.
The event also recognised learners who demonstrated exceptional achievement or made significant progress during their studies.
Brighton-based Spencer Hildrew received the Outstanding Learner Award for Associate Ambulance Practitioners.
Reflecting on his achievement, he said: "It's amazing to have won an award and be recognised for the work you put in. I'm very grateful to my tutors and colleagues who supported me throughout the programme."
Spencer said his interest in healthcare began at the age of five after meeting a member of St John Ambulance at a local community event, inspiring a lifelong passion for helping others.
Another award recipient was Banstead-based Wes Hammocks, who received the Most Improved Learner Award for newly qualified paramedics. After serving for 30 years in the Royal Navy, Wes joined SECAmb to begin a new career in ambulance care.
"I'm really surprised to have won an award but very pleased," Wes said.
Wes described balancing study, work and family life as one of the biggest challenges of the programme but said developing his clinical skills and caring for patients had made the journey particularly rewarding.
Special awards were presented to:
- Pollyanna Birse, Emergency Care Support Worker, Outstanding Learner
- Clive Harding, Emergency Care Support Worker, Most Improved Learner
- Spencer Hildrew, Associate Ambulance Practitioner, Outstanding Learner
- Jessica Goosey, Newly Qualified Paramedic, Outstanding Learner
- Wesley Hammocks, Newly Qualified Paramedic, Most Improved Learner
- Stuart Abbott, Newly Qualified Paramedic, Most Improved Learner
- Bronwyn Davidson, Advanced Paramedic Practitioner, Outstanding Learner
- Samantha Paul, Advanced Paramedic Practitioner, Most Improved Learner
Congratulations to all those recognised for their achievements and commitment to developing the skills that help deliver high-quality care to patients across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.