11 Jul 2011 11:24 AM

Queen’s Medal will reward exceptional devotion to duty

A new Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal, which will distinguish exemplary service from ambulance workers in the NHS, was announced today by Health Secretary Andrew Lansley.

The first medals will be awarded in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in Summer 2012.

The Ambulance Service now joins the Police and Fire emergency services in having a prestigious medal for outstanding service. This is particularly significant as ambulance staff usually have to work with the police or fire services together when responding to 999 calls or major incidents.

The medal will recognise those with an exceptional devotion to duty – those whose service is marked by outstanding ability, merit and exemplary conduct, such as:

Managing major, serious or dangerous operational incidents, which make exceptional demands on personnelProlonged service distinguished by exceptional achievement and meritWork that results in significant improvements for patients and/or staffVery high levels of performance when acting up to more senior rolesTaking a leading role in promoting staff training, knowledge and skills

Andrew Lansley, Secretary of State for Health said:

“I am extremely pleased to announce The Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal which will recognise exceptional duty and service. It will pay tribute to those who work incredibly hard to save lives, often under extreme pressure and in very challenging situations.

“We are all grateful to our local ambulance service which helps people in distress at every level - from minor injuries to road accidents and even major national incidents. This Medal will help us all to signal better our appreciation for and recognise the life-saving work that they carry out for the public every day.”

Peter Bradley, CBE and National Ambulance Director said:

“Ambulance service staff deliver top quality care day in day out across the UK and I am delighted that, alongside the Fire and Police, the work of the Ambulance Service will be recognised on an equal footing.

“I encourage all Ambulance Trusts to put their nominations forward so that we can be proud to single out the efforts and exemplary conduct of our staff.”

Sir David Nicholson, NHS Chief Executive said:

“I am always amazed at the professionalism and dedication of ambulance teams when dealing with extreme and traumatic situations and saving lives every day. It is fantastic that the extraordinary achievements and commitment of our ambulance services will be recognised alongside the other emergency services.”

Jo Webber, Ambulance Service Network director said:

“The Queen's Ambulance Service medal is a vital way to celebrate dedication and excellence among ambulance service staff. The ambulance service is at the very frontline of NHS care working 24 hours a day all year every year and it is important to recognise the excellent work they do.”

Further information on the criteria for eligibility, along with details on how to nominate individuals for the Medal, will be available on the Department of Health’s website.

Notes to Editors

1. For more information, please see www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/urgentandemergencycare/DH_113435 or contact the Department of Health press office on 020 7210 5221. Pictures of the medal are also available. 2. The Medal will be available to all NHS ambulance services within the United Kingdom – namely, the Welsh Assembly Government, the Scottish Executive Health Department, and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in Northern Ireland and The Channel Islands). 3. Private/ independent and voluntary ambulance services will not be eligible. 4. The number of recommendations for award of the Medal which may be submitted for Her Majesty’s approval in any one year shall not exceed 10. 5. It will be usual that members of the ambulance service shall have completed 10 year’s good conduct and exemplary service before being recommended for award of the Medal. Recipients of The Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal will be entitled to have placed after his or her name the letters “QAM”.

Contacts:

Department of Health
Phone: 020 7210 5221
NDS.DH@coi.gsi.gov.uk