FRONTLINE emergency care employees from across County Durham have received The Ambulance Service (Emergency Duties) Long Service and Good Conduct Medal for their dedication to their roles.

The Conduct Medal, which has been handed out by the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS), is given to all A&E ambulance staff who have been in frontline emergency care services for more than 20 years, or seven years in frontline emergency care and 13 years in emergency care management.

Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne & Wear, Susan Winfield OBE, presented the medal to 28 frontline emergency care colleagues at a ceremony held at Gosforth Park Hotel on Monday (April 4).

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Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs Winfield said: “I am delighted to be presenting The Queen’s medal to such outstanding frontline emergency care workers.  My warmest congratulations to you all, and my sincere thanks for your devotion to duty and tireless work in your caring and often lifesaving responses to emergency Calls.

“My thanks also to everyone who works for the North East Ambulance Service for all you do to provide medical care and transport across all our communities”

The Northern Echo: The Conduct Medal, which has been handed out by the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS), is given to all A&E ambulance staff who have been in frontline emergency care services for more than 20 years Picture: NEAS.The Conduct Medal, which has been handed out by the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS), is given to all A&E ambulance staff who have been in frontline emergency care services for more than 20 years Picture: NEAS.

Between them, the 28 frontline employees have a combined service of over 560 years.

The NHS workers from County Durham that received an award include:

  • Andrew Stewart, Bishop Auckland Station
  • David Lee, Bishop Auckland Station
  • Fiona Jones, Stanley Station
  • Ian Greaves, Fishburn Station
  • Louise Norris, Bishop Auckland Cluster Station
  • Mark Fell, Barnard Castle Station
  • Simon Kelly, Weardale Station

The Northern Echo: All of the recipients of the conduct award on Monday (April 4). Picture: NEAS.All of the recipients of the conduct award on Monday (April 4). Picture: NEAS.

Chief Executive at NEAS, Helen Ray, added: “I am incredibly proud of all of our colleagues at North East Ambulance Service, especially those who have dedicated so many years of service to the North East public.

“When they signed up to our service over 20 years ago, they didn’t just sign up for a job, but a vocation. Their many years of service and care have not been without challenges, but it is an absolute privilege to oversee the incredible work that they have done, and an honour to work with such caring and committed colleagues.

The Northern Echo: Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne & Wear, Susan Winfield OBE. Picture: NEAS.Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne & Wear, Susan Winfield OBE. Picture: NEAS.

“The past two years have been incredibly hard for us as a service, but it is colleagues such as those in attendance today who make this service special; without their hard work and unwavering dedication to patient care, we wouldn’t be able to do the work we do every day.

The Northern Echo: Chief Executive at NEAS, Helen Ray. Picture: NEAS.Chief Executive at NEAS, Helen Ray. Picture: NEAS.

"They are an asset to our organisation, and for that I can only say thank you and that I wish each and every one of them enjoy their celebrations.”

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