SECAmb Makes History with First Chief Paramedic Officer
The South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) has landed a game-changing appointment. Jaqualine Lindridge becomes their first-ever Chief Paramedic Officer, marking a major milestone after a tough recruitment battle. This move signals SECAmb’s serious push to boost patient care and clinical leadership.
Board Role to Oversee Training and Clinical Excellence
Coming this autumn, Jaqualine will step into a board-level role with major responsibilities. She’ll manage all education and training across SECAmb, plus oversee organisational learning and clinical supervision. This key post supports SECAmb’s new strategy to empower senior clinicians in improving service delivery across Kent, Surrey, and Sussex.
“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,” said Lindridge. “I look forward to working with my new colleagues and making a positive difference to patient care across Kent, Surrey, and Sussex.”
Paramedic Veteran Brings Years of Expertise
Jaqualine arrives from London Ambulance Service" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">London Ambulance Service (LAS) where she’s served as Director of Quality Improvement. Starting out as an ambulance technician in 2000 and qualifying as a paramedic in 2003, she has climbed the ranks through roles like emergency care practitioner, clinical tutor, and consultant paramedic. Her focus has been sharp on clinical practice, leadership, and developing services.
While at LAS, Lindridge pioneered advanced paramedic practitioners in urgent care and acted as mental capacity lead. She’s also contributed to vital national clinical guidelines for paramedics through the Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee (JRCALC) and NICE Guideline Committees.
SECAmb Boss Welcomes ‘Wealth of Experience’
Simon Weldon, SECAmb Chief Executive, hailed the appointment. “I’m delighted we’ve secured Jaqualine for this new role. I can’t wait to see her work alongside our Director of Quality & Nursing and Chief Medical Officer to put senior clinicians right at the heart of our leadership team.”
“Jaqualine brings a wealth of experience and real enthusiasm. I know she’s excited to join us, and together we’ll improve the service we provide to our patients,” Weldon added.
With Lindridge on board, SECAmb aims to raise the bar on patient care and clinical leadership across the region.
