Paramedic UK » SECAmb

SECAmb’s private 999 ambulances cost criticised

Editor — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:38:52 +0000

Patient representatives have expressed concern that millions of pounds are being spent by the NHS on private ambulances in the South East.

South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) spent £7.8m in the past three years on private contractors, figures obtained by the BBC show.

Secamb said it used private providers and volunteers at times of high demand.

But Mike Eddy, from Kent Local Involvement Network (Link), said it would be cheaper to use NHS ambulances.

Secamb, which covers Kent, Surrey and Sussex, is one of only five NHS ambulance trusts in England which currently uses private companies to answer 999 calls and to take patients to hospital for outpatient appointments.

via BBC News.

Brave paramedic retires after 36 years’ service

Editor — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:59:37 +0000

A paramedic from Seaford who was commended for bravery after risking his life to try and save a fire fighter caught in a massive explosion, has retired after 36 years’ service.

John Larkin had responded to a 999 call to a blaze at Marlie Farm near Lewes back in 2006 while working for the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECamb) NHS Foundation Trust.

The clinical team leader recalled the incident in which two long-serving members of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service died while trying to contain the blaze when an explosion tore a storage facility apart.

via Eastbourne Herald.

MPs get their blood pressure checked

Editor — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:00:45 +0000

Members of Parliament had their blood pressure checked as part of a campaign by the South East Coast Ambulance (SECAmb) service.

Staff from the trust, which provides ambulance cover across Adur, Arun and Worthing, visited the House of Commons to raise awareness of stroke – the UK’s third biggest killer.

Matthew England, clinical quality manager at the trust, said: “High blood pressure increases the risk of a stroke, along with poor diet. I would urge people to take advantage of any blood pressure monitoring that is available in your area, or get it tested by your GP.”

via Shoreham Herald.

South East Coast Ambulance destroyed by fire in Findon

Editor — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:09:39 +0000

A South East Coast Ambulance vehicle has been destroyed by a fire in West Sussex.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said emergency services were called to Long Furlong in Findon at 08:52 GMT.

A spokeswoman said a patient transport vehicle was involved in the fire, which was believed to have started accidentally.

Two fire appliances attended the scene. No-one is believed to have been injured in the incident.

via BBC News

Health chiefs called on to explain ambulance move

Editor — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:37:02 +0000

SECAmb bosses intent on relocating Crowborough’s ambulances have been called upon to explain the plan in more detail.

Terry Moon, secretary of the Friends of Crowborough Hospital, said: “We would hate to think something as valuable as the health service is being managed based on short-term financial principles.”

disruptive weather: A tree toppled by high winds blocks Green Lane in Crowborough

Alarm bells began ringing when hospital trustees became aware of an application from South East Coast Ambulance NHS Trust to secure permission for a new ambulance response post at Crowborough Business Park in Park Road.

via This is Sussex.

Cancer patient dies after being dropped on his head by paramedics

Editor — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:04:05 +0000

An elderly patient, who had cancer, died after being dropped on his head by an ambulance crew.

Kenneth Thomas, 81, was being carried down the stairs of his home when the fall happened.

The ambulance team did not mention the accident at Mr Thomas’s house in Esher, Surrey when they handed over his case at Kingston Hospital on June 25, 2009.

Illness: Kenneth Thomas, 81, was suffering from prostate cancer at the time he suffered a head injury in Esher, Surrey

His family settled out of court for a five-figure financial payout last month from South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb).

via Mail Online.

Flu blamed for rise in ambulance workload

Editor — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:09:57 +0000

A flu outbreak and icy weather led to an ambulance service handling an unprecedented number of emergency calls.

South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Trust dealt with 159,405 life-threatening emergencies last year compared with 152,122 the year before.

Read full article: Redhill And Reigate Life.

Ambulance worker in court

Editor — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 09:54:12 +0000

An ambulance worker will face court charged with misconduct in a public office and perverting the course of justice after the death of a man.

Karl Harris, 44, was sent to the home of Barry Baker, 59, in Brighton last November after he dialled 999 saying he thought he was having a heart attack.

Harris has been suspended from his job and will appear at Hove Crown Court.

Read full article: TeleText.

Police and medics in hospital after poison death at farm

Editor — Sun, 31 May 2009 06:23:17 +0000

Seven police officers and three ambulance staff were taken to hospital today after fears that they had been exposed to a poisonous liquid while attempting to revive a bankrupt farmer facing eviction who is believed to have killed himself.

The officers from Surrey police, and a paramedic and two other ambulance crew members, were taken to the Royal Surrey hospital for decontamination and observation after the incident at Burpham Court farm. None of the 10 appeared to have suffered ill effects.

Read full article: The Guardian.

Stroke kills 67,000 every year in UK

Editor — Sun, 31 May 2009 06:10:40 +0000

SECAmb is the first ambulance trust in the UK to appoint a paramedic stroke lead and carried out a Stroke Care Development Programme across the region. The aim is to ensure that all patients receive the right treatment at the right time.

They are working closely with our local hospitals and stroke networks to develop the region’s stroke treatment and ensure that appropriate acute services are in place.

Read full article: Crawley Observer.