Inaugural Alice Clark Award presented at SECAmb’s Surrey Awards Ceremony

A Chertsey paramedic is the inaugural winner of South East Coast Ambulance Service’s Alice Clark Award.

The award was introduced in celebration and honour of newly-qualified Paddock Wood Paramedic, Alice Clark, who sadly died in service at the age of 21 in January 2022.

Newly Qualified Paramedic (NQP) Nicola Buchan picked up the award at the second of SECAmb’s three annual award ceremonies held at Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking, Surrey, last week (14 November).

The new award will be presented each year to an NQP who has demonstrated significant effort in transitioning from a newly-qualified paramedic, as Alice was, to an experienced practitioner.

Nicola was nominated and chosen as the inaugural winner for the work she has done to improve the care SECAmb delivers to certain patients in cardiac arrest.

Through the Trust’s Quality Improvement team, she instigated a project that resulted in colleagues getting detailed feedback and training on the management of certain heart attack patients. This has resulted improved performance and outcomes for patients in our Chertsey operational area.

In nominating her, Operations Manager, Sam Garman outlined the significant hurdles Nicola has overcome to deliver such an outstanding achievement.

SECAmb was pleased to welcome Alice’s family to the ceremony to witness Nicola receive the award in their daughter’s name. Her parents, Gill and Graeme said:

The ceremony brought together more than 170 colleagues, volunteers, members of the public and their supporters to recognise long service and outstanding achievements in going above and beyond in their work and everyday lives.

King’s Medals for Long Service and Good Conduct were presented by the King’s representative for the county, Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey, Andrew Canale.

Colleagues were also recognised for 20, 30 and 40 years’ NHS service with recipients including Kevin Burchett, a paramedic from Tangmere, West Sussex, celebrating an incredible 40 years’ service.

In addition to the long service awards, the evening celebrated the launch of new categories within the Chief Executive’s Commendations, aligned to SECAmb’s values, including Demonstrating Kindness and  Acting with Courage.

A team of Tadworth Leisure Centre received a Chief Executive’s Commendation for their swift and courageous actions when they saved the life of a man who collapsed in cardiac arrest. 65-year-old Carlshalton man, David Frost was able to attend to see the team of John Bennett, Stephanie Wallace, Cai Oudijk and Leo Gamble pick up their award.

The Colleague of the Year award was presented to Michelle Lam, a Resource Dispatcher based at SECAmb’s West Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Crawley. Michelle was recognised for her exceptional professionalism and dedication in her day-to-day work, as well as her proactive approach to improving EOC processes.

For a full list of award winner please see below:

Kings Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct

Carl Bowkett, Operational Team Leader, Gatwick

Chris Burton, Paramedic Practitioner, Ashford

Mark Davies, Paramedic, Guildford

Daren Dyer, Paramedic, Banstead

Clare George, Associate Ambulance Practitioner, Tangmere

Michael Groves, Practice Development Lead, Tongham

Russell Hamilton, Associate Ambulance Practitioner, Guildford

Julie Lang, Clinical Supervisor, Crawley

Tracey Little, Paramedic, Banstead

Ben Macauley, Critical Care Paramedic, Air Ambulance Charity, Kent Surrey Sussex

Rebecca Molden, Associate Ambulance Practitioner, Chertsey

Zoe Pemble, Associate Ambulance Practitioner, Gatwick

Nicola Perkins, Associate Ambulance Practitioner, Chertsey

Tina Ruston, Associate Ambulance Practitioner, Chertsey

Gary Thompson, Associate Ambulance Practitioner, Worthing

David Wright, Critical Care Paramedic, Redhill

20 Years’ NHS Long Service

Tracey Leavers,  Dispatch Team Leader, Crawley

Peter Lee, Director of Corporate Governance and Company Secretary, Crawley

30 Years’ NHS Long Service

Karen Bell,  Paramedic, Gatwick

Chris Burton, Paramedic Practitioner, Ashford 

Kate Crabb,  Associate Ambulance Practitioner, Tangmere

Simon Etheridge,  Paramedic, Guildford

Andrew Kinder,  Trainer (Clinical Education), Gatwick

Rachael Skates,  Infection Prevention Control Lead, Worthing

Peter Steventon,  Associate Ambulance Practitioner, Worthing

40 Years’ NHS Long Service

Kevin Burchett, Paramedic, Tangmere

10 Years’ Voluntary Long Service

Hannah Alsbury-Morris,  Newly Qualified Paramedic, Tangmere

Gary Marlow, Community First Responder, Horsham

Timothy Murrill, Chaplain, Redhill

Jill Simpson, Chaplain, Worthing

Alan Smart, Community First Responder, Fleet & Yateley

Neil Smith, Community First Responder, East Grinstead

David Weetman, Community First Responder, Epsom

Chief Executive’s Commendations

Acting with Courage 

Adam Clark, Operational Team Leader, Worthing

Operational Team Leader Adam Clark showed exceptional bravery during a high-risk incident in May 2024. While attending to a patient in mental health distress, the patient produced a pistol and threatened him. Adam quickly disarmed the patient, secured the weapon, and retreated to call the police. His swift actions ensured everyone’s safety and earned praise from attending firearms officers. Despite the emotional impact, Adam’s courage and selflessness were exemplary.

Amy Good, Trainee Ambulance Practitioner, Chertsey

While travelling home from a night shift, Trainee Associate Ambulance Practitioner, Amy Good encountered a serious road traffic collision in Esher, later linked to a murder investigation. Despite limited experience and no trauma training, Amy managed the scene, cared for a motorcyclist in cardiac arrest, and calmly managed the scene. Though the motorcyclist sadly died, Amy’s courage, professionalism, and resilience were exemplary.

Demonstrating Kindness

Alison Groves, Make Ready Centre Manager, Tangmere

Alison Groves, Make Ready Centre Manager at Tangmere, is recognised for her unwavering kindness and dedication to colleagues and patients. Described as the “beating heart” of her Operating Unit, Ali goes above and beyond her role, providing constant support, coordinating welfare programmes like TRiM, and fostering a positive environment. Her compassion and commitment were evident during Tangmere’s inaugural open day, where she played a key role, including supporting a 12-hour charity ambulance push. Ali’s selflessness and diligence make her an invaluable asset to the organisation.

Ken Slade, Operational Team Leader (OTL), Chertsey

OTL, Ken Slade, is celebrated for his kind and supportive approach, particularly in helping colleagues overcome challenges. When recognising signs of burnout in a team member, Ken offered understanding and guidance that had a transformative impact. Known for his can-do attitude, Ken often exceeds his role, supporting tactical operations, staff engagement, and sharing technical expertise. His compassion and dedication make him a valued leader and a cornerstone of the Chertsey team.

Lucy Jenner, Emergency Medical Advisor Team Leader, West Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Crawley

Emergency Medical Advisor Team Leader, Lucy Jenner, is commended for her tireless efforts in supporting colleagues at SECAmb’s West Emergency Operations Centre. Whether mentoring new staff, maintaining the “Helping Hands Cupboard,” or volunteering as a Community First Responder, Lucy exemplifies kindness and dedication. She ensures everyone feels supported and valued, fostering a welcoming environment. Lucy’s thoughtfulness and leadership inspire her colleagues and make her an essential member of the team.

Andrew Pattison, Operations Manager, Guildford

Operations Manager, Andrew Pattison, was recognised for his pivotal roles in developing the TRiM (Trauma Risk Management) programme within SECAmb. His leadership has expanded the programme’s reach, providing critical support to over 1,500 staff since its introduction. By raising awareness and securing sustainable funding, he has ensured ongoing access to vital resources for colleagues recovering from traumatic incidents. His dedication has had a profound impact on staff well-being across the organisation.

Sekou Soaure, Technical Team Leader, Churchill, Gatwick

Sekou Soaure, Technical Team Leader for Churchill, based out of the Trust’s Gatwick Make Ready Centre, is known for his ever-present smile and is an indispensable member of the local Make Ready team. He ensures vehicles are prepared and safe, often working beyond his schedule to cover staff shortages. His work ethic, kindness, and willingness to train and support new staff have earned him immense respect from colleagues. Sekou’s dedication to putting others first makes him a cherished part of the SECAmb family.

Voluntary or Community Service

SECAmb Voluntary Emergency Responders

The Trust’s volunteer emergency responders (ERs) in West Sussex and Kent are recognised for their dedication and selflessness. These specially-trained volunteers respond to 999 calls in Trust-marked vehicles, delivering lifesaving interventions and supporting front-line crews. Since the trial’s launch, the 24 ERs have attended nearly 2,500 incidents, including critical Category 1 calls, and provided invaluable assistance to non-injury fallers, helping to free up ambulances for other emergencies. Giving thousands of hours to their communities, these committed individuals consistently provide compassionate care without asking for anything in return.

Celebrating Inclusivity 

In a new awards category this year to celebrate inclusivity, we recognise the tireless work of our staff networks and their efforts in ensuring SECAmb is an inclusive and compassionate place, where everyone can feel that they belong.

SECAmb’s five staff networks, Inspire, Enable, Pride, GEN (Gender Equality Network), and the Armed Forces Network, are recognised for their outstanding contributions to promoting inclusivity and ensuring everyone feels they belong. These networks address diverse needs, from cultural diversity and neurodiversity to LGBT+ and gender equality, providing crucial support and opportunities for colleagues. By amplifying “hidden” voices and fostering compassion, they make SECAmb a more inclusive and supportive workplace. Their efforts play a vital role in creating an environment where no one feels excluded.

Honouring Public Service 

Ryan Sleigh

HGV driver Ryan Sleigh, from Mansfield, is recognised for his quick thinking and courageous actions in guiding an out-of-control van away from traffic on the M25 near Slough in March 2024. When he spotted a van veering erratically with the driver slumped at the wheel, Ryan acted swiftly, using his lorry to safely bring the van to a halt and shield it from passing vehicles. With the help of an off-duty physiotherapist and student paramedic, Ryan attempted to save the life of the driver.  While the efforts were sadly unsuccessful, Ryan’s selfless actions prevented further collisions and potential injuries and ensured the driver was given the best chance of survival.

Tadworth Leisure Centre staff

A team of leisure centre staff were recognised for their swift and life-saving response when David Frost, a 65-year-old man, collapsed in cardiac arrest while playing pickleball at Tadworth Leisure Centre in March this year. Staff members John Bennett, Stephanie Wallace, Cai Oudijk and Leo Gamble immediately began CPR, applied a defibrillator, and called 999. Thanks to their quick actions, including administering two shocks, David was conscious and breathing when ambulance crews arrived – an incredible outcome given his initial condition. David received treatment and has since returned to playing pickleball. The team’s calm and organised response undoubtedly saved his life.

Colleague of the Year

Michelle Lam, Resource Dispatcher, West Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), Crawley

Resource Dispatcher, Michelle Lam is recognised for her exceptional dedication and professionalism, both in her daily role and through the additional responsibilities she has taken on. Michelle developed a new process to streamline operations during CAD downtime, reducing delays and improving efficiency by training a dedicated team. She actively contributes to the development of CAD systems and consistently supports her colleagues with training. Michelle’s commitment was further demonstrated during a major incident, where she volunteered as a major incident response dispatcher, performing impeccably. Her positive attitude and initiative make her an invaluable asset to the team.

Alice Clark Award

The Alice Clark Award, introduced in memory of 21-year-old Alice Clark who tragically lost her life in service in 2022, honours a newly qualified paramedic who has shown exceptional effort in transitioning to an experienced practitioner, embodying the values that Alice represented. This award recognises not only clinical skill but also the dedication to ongoing professional development and a commitment to the wellbeing of colleagues and patients.

This year’s inaugural winner, Nicola Buchan, has demonstrated all these qualities and more. Nicola has excelled in her clinical knowledge, contributing significantly to the Trust’s Quality Improvement team while also volunteering as a community first responder.

Despite the personal tragedy of losing her partner, who also worked for SECAmb, Nicola’s resilience and determination have been inspiring. Her work has led to improvements in patient care, and her ongoing commitment to learning, including her post-graduate studies, showcases her dedication to both her own development and the improvement of SECAmb’s services.

Nicola’s passion for supporting colleagues and her contributions to enhancing wellbeing at Chertsey make her a truly deserving recipient of this special award.