Ambulance service appoints its first ever Chief Paramedic Officer

South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) has announced the appointment of its first ever Chief Paramedic Officer.

Jaqualine Lindridge will take up the board-level position in the autumn, following an extensive recruitment process. Her responsibilities will include all education and training within SECAmb as well organisational learning and clinical supervision.

The role is aligned to the Trust’s new strategy which is designed to empower its most senior clinicians to work together to lead service delivery and improve patient care.

“I feel both excited and privileged to be joining SECAmb as their first Chief Paramedic Officer. It’s a very exciting time for paramedics working in ambulance services. I look forward to working all my new colleagues and making a positive contribution to patient care across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.”

Jaqualine Lindridge.

Jaqualine is currently Director of Quality Improvement at London Ambulance Service, having held a number of clinical roles in the capital joining as an ambulance technician in 2000 and qualifying as a paramedic in 2003.

Following periods as an emergency care practitioner and clinical tutor, Jaqualine became a consultant paramedic with LAS in 2014 where her role focused on clinical practice, clinical leadership and service development.

She led the introduction of advanced paramedic practitioners in urgent care and acted as the Trust’s mental capacity lead. She also contributed to the development of national clinical guidance for paramedics and other ambulance clinicians, serving on both JRCALC and NICE Guideline Committees.

“I am delighted we have made this appointment. I am particularly looking forward to seeing how this new role works in partnership with our Director of Quality & Nursing and with the Chief Medical Officer to truly embed senior clinicians at the heart of our leadership team.

“Jaqualine brings a wealth of experience to the role, as well as real enthusiasm and I know is excited to be joining us. I look forward to working closely with her to improve the service provide our patients.”

Simon Weldon, SECAmb Chief Executive.

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