Our Northampton cycle response unit have scooped a national patient safety award.
The new unit based in Northampton town centre was announced as the winner of the Patient Safety in the Community Award at the national Health Service Journal Awards.
While working as a newly qualified paramedic (NQP) in Northampton, James Windross identified that a cycle response unit in the city centre could improve response times and offer health advice to hard-to-reach groups, such as homeless people.
James therefore worked with Service Delivery Manager Mick Jones, Ambulance Operations Manager Debbie Tweddle and Head of Education Ashley Knights to design and scope a cycle response unit (CRU). The focus on proactive engagement, patient education and healthcare signposting provided a proactive rather than reactive approach to patient safety.
As a result of the CRU, attendances at the emergency department and 999 calls were both reduced, and £8,000 was saved over the initial 10 weeks. Following the successful trial period, the CRU has now been further implemented across Northampton.
Ashley Knights said he was delighted to hear EMAS had won the award.
He said: “James is a fantastic paramedic who identified an opportunity for service development and worked with the team to develop the CRU.
“He is motivated and dedicated, and the CRU evaluation clearly identified the difference it could make to people in Northampton town. James is a great example of how NQPs can make a difference.”
The Awards were hosted by the Rev Richard Coles who is well known on both television and radio, and lives in Northamptonshire himself.