The success of Lincolnshire’s Joint Ambulance Conveyance Project was recognised at the Health Service Journal Value in Healthcare Awards last night, as it was named the winner in the Acute Service Redesign category.
The partnership project between Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, East Midlands Ambulance Service and Lincolnshire Integrated Voluntary Emergency Service (LIVES) was shortlisted for the national award after joining forces to take patients to hospital.
The judges said:
This project was very innovative and nationally significant; it addresses a public sector efficiency challenge and acute service.”
Having been awarded £429, 000 to develop a one year pilot, fire, ambulance and local voluntary services worked together to design a service that would improve the efficiency and quality of responses to medical emergencies. The result is the Joint Ambulance Conveyance Project, which operates across Long Sutton, Stamford and Woodhall Spa fire stations.
The project works on a simple idea: fire and rescue services respond to life threatening medical emergencies prior to the arrival of an East Midlands paramedic. Due to the proximity of local fire stations to their communities, a JACP ambulance is able to respond to emergencies in just two minutes, ensuring that patients get the attention they require quickly. Patients are also transported to hospital much faster, leaving other ambulances free to help more patients.
All of the JACP crews are trained in the first person on the scene award and are given an additional five days’ ambulance aid training. They are also trained in the emergency driving of an ambulance to the same standard as an NHS ambulance driver.
Dr Simon Topham, clinical director for LIVES, comments:
We are honoured that the JACP has received such an award. It is a testament to all the hard work of those involved, including the crews in Woodhall Spa, Long Sutton and Stamford, who embraced the challenge to deliver a new and innovative way of working.”
Steve Pratten, EMAS Community Response Manager says:
We were delighted to be involved in launching such a ground breaking initiative which several UK ambulance and fire services are considering introducing in their areas. Receiving this prestigious award really is the icing on the cake for everyone who worked so hard to make the scheme a success.”
Divisional commander at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, Sean Taylor, says:
It’s fantastic news that we’ve won this award. It demonstrates how the emergency services are working together to deliver the best service possible for the residents of Lincolnshire.”
Cllr Sue Woolley, executive councillor for NHS liaison and community engagement, adds:
I am delighted for everyone who has been involved in this ground breaking project which has, without a doubt, enabled us to save lives.”
