Innovative role benefits Island communities

Derek Spark - pictured above - is an Advanced Paramedic Practitioner in Emergency and Urgent Care based out of Stornoway, who covers Lewis and Harris. Advanced Paramedics are experienced, highly educated health professionals who work in or across a variety of clinical settings. They can refer, admit, and discharge patients.

On a typical day, Derek can undertake a virtual ward round of care homes, liaise with the Hospital at Home team, support urgent care for assessment of GP referrals, treat patients within Police custody and support the provision of palliative care in the out-of-hours periods.

“The joint role was created to formalise the changing nature of pre-hospital care in the Western Isles,” said Derek.

“The impact has been demonstratively positive for patients and myself. To date, I have treated almost 2,000 patients, with the majority not requiring hospitalisation or further assessment.

“Integrating my work between SAS and NHSWI has enhanced my knowledge and skills, which greatly benefits patients in our community. As an Advanced Practitioner, I have the skills and knowledge to integrate into every aspect of acute care, working independently or as part of a larger team, to promote patient centred care in the community.”

Advanced Paramedic, Kenneth Macdonald - pictured below -, is based within Uist and covers the whole area in his role. Two thirds of his time are spent working for NHSWI, which includes home visits for GP patients and ward rounds for care home patients, which enables these individuals to be treated within their home, thus reducing hospital admissions. The rest of his role with SAS involves ambulance shifts and arranging alternative care pathways for patients.

He said: “In my role I engage with all aspects of healthcare in Uist, including care homes and supporting GPs. Working for SAS and NHSWI in this dual role allows me to make a quick and discernible difference in the community.

“Our scope of practice in remote and rural areas is wide and diverse. I think patients appreciate the extra time we can give them which enables us to get to know them better. This enhances their care and ensures they get the right care in the right place.”

Some recent patient feedback has been overwhelmingly supportive of the role: “We were most impressed by the sensitive and very professional approach, which (Derek) adopted throughout our examinations.

“He immediately put us at ease by explaining what he was about to do and why he was doing it. This meant we were able to participate effectively in his very thorough examination of us both, and indeed we are on the mend.”

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."