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Advanced Paramedics are bringing a new level of patient care to the Western Isles, as they split their time between the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) and NHS Western Isles (NHSWI), offering support in a variety of settings, from care homes to patient homes.
Derek Spark, an Advanced Paramedic Practitioner in Emergency and Urgent Care, works out of Stornoway and covers the islands of Lewis and Harris. His role integrates between SAS and NHSWI, treating patients in homes, care settings and supporting hospital admissions. Derek’s work also includes performing home visits on behalf of GPs and supporting out-of-hours palliative care.
“The joint role was created to formalise the changing nature of pre-hospital care in the Western Isles. So far, I’ve treated nearly 2,000 patients, many of whom did not require hospitalisation. This dual role has improved my skills and benefited the patients I care for.”
Derek Spark.
Advanced Paramedic Kenneth Macdonald, based in Uist, works similarly across both services, spending two-thirds of his time with NHSWI. His role involves home visits for GP patients, conducting ward rounds in care homes, and supporting SAS ambulance shifts. Like Derek, Kenneth’s work helps reduce unnecessary hospital admissions by providing care in familiar settings.
“In remote and rural areas like Uist, our scope of practice is wide and diverse. Patients really appreciate the extra time we give them. It helps us get to know them better and ensures they get the right care, in the right place.”
Kenneth Macdonald.
Both paramedics have received positive feedback from patients, with one recent comment praising Derek for his thorough, professional approach to care. The integration of these advanced roles has also had a positive impact on healthcare collaboration.
Frances Robertson, NHS Western Isles Nurse/AHP Director and Chief Operating Officer, said: “NHS Western Isles is pleased to support the ongoing collaboration between SAS and the Urgent and Unscheduled Care teams.
“The introduction of Advanced Paramedic roles into the Urgent Care teams has added knowledge and experience to the teams, improved communications and relationships, and facilitated the development of pathways between SAS, GP’s, care homes and hospital, and allowed patients to be assessed, treated and cared at home, ensuring that patients are receiving the right care in the right place.”
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