The South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) has made a historic move by appointing Jaqualine Lindridge as its first-ever Chief Paramedic Officer. This landmark appointment follows an extensive recruitment process and marks a significant step in the Trust’s commitment to enhancing patient care and clinical leadership.
Jaqueline Lindridge will assume her board-level position in the autumn. Her responsibilities will encompass all education and training within SECAmb, as well as organizational learning and clinical supervision. This role is a key component of SECAmb’s new strategy, which aims to empower senior clinicians to collaboratively lead service delivery and improve patient care across Kent, Surrey, and Sussex.
At LAS, Lindridge led the introduction of advanced paramedic practitioners in urgent care and served as the Trust’s mental capacity lead. She has also played a crucial role in developing national clinical guidance for paramedics and other ambulance clinicians, contributing to both the Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee (JRCALC) and NICE Guideline Committees.
SECAmb Chief Executive Simon Weldon expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointment, stating, “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. Jacqueline brings a wealth of experience to the role, as well as real enthusiasm, and I know she is excited to be joining us. I look forward to working closely with her to improve the service we provide to our patients.”
Jaqueline Lindridge’s appointment is expected to bring a new level of expertise and leadership to SECAmb, further advancing the quality of care provided to patients throughout the region.
