My patient transport service colleagues inspire me.

Claire Hunter is a positive action officer and her role involves working with our harder-toreach communities to help people find a career with us across all our services. Claire spent some time with one of our Patient Transport Service (PTS) crews in Merseyside to find out a bit more about them and their role.

“When I became a positive action officer, I couldn’t wait to be able to spark excitement in those who may have thought they couldn’t work for the ambulance service. I want to inspire people to be the best version of themselves and understand why the service is an employer of choice.

“I worked in our 111 service and was familiar with our 999 service, but our PTS was a mystery to me. I needed to know the role to really engage with our communities about it. I spent a day shadowing a crew to find out more.”

Claire went out with Ambulance Care Assistants (ACA) Shaun and Jim who in a single day, transformed her thoughts around PTS: “I knew I would enjoy the day and like the role, but I didn’t expect to walk away with the love and passion that I have.

“From start to finish it was very clear how passionate Jim and Shaun are about their roles and helping their patients. We all work in the ambulance service and do the job because we want to help people in one way or another. However, through the dark clouds of the current demand on the NHS it was wonderful to see the love and light they still shine for their role and for their patients.”

“Their knowledge about each of their patients amazed me they ensured they knew all about them from their history, their hobbies and their families. They didn’t just make conversation, they spoke with genuine feeling, intrigue and concern. They turned anxious moments that patients may find upsetting into memorable moments with a smile and laugh. You could see the love their patients had for them in return.”

On the shift Jim explained to Claire how interactions with patients are so important, he said:

“We may be the only people our patients speak to all day. You get to know all about them, what they love to do. Likewise, if I turn up and I see my patient isn’t well, I can feed that back, safeguard and know I am making them safe.”

Shaun added: “You meet people from all walks of life, you hear their stories, you get to know them, and you go on the journey with them, that’s what I love most about the role”.

Claire was blown away by the professionalism and dedication: “Shadowing my PTS colleagues made me realise that they are the heart of the communities they serve. I have no doubt that all the other ACAs carry the same light and passion Shaun and Jim. The dedication they have for their role, their patients but also their colleagues is inspiring. They make the experience of our PTS the most positive it can be.

“I can’t thank Shaun, Jim and their patients enough. I have walked away feeling one day I would love and aspire to be an ACA. I just hope I live up to Shaun, Jim and all the incredible ACAs we have here at NWAS.”