St John prepare to launch Alderney operations

Thursday 09 March 2023

Guernsey’s St John Ambulance & Rescue Service is on course to begin running the ambulance service in Alderney from 1 April.

St John has recruited four new employees from the Alderney community and has been working with the local States and the Committee for Health & Social Care to establish the new model of ambulance provision.

The ambulance and rescue service agreed to take over operational responsibility for the island in October 2022.

Alderney ambulance service is currently staffed by agency personnel from a UK based independent ambulance provider, commissioned by and reporting to the States of Alderney.

The four new staff are Mike Lord, Mel Walden, Maria Collier and Angela Etheredge. The team has been undergoing a programme of clinical and driver training, both in Alderney and Guernsey. 

They will be supported by experienced clinicians from Guernsey to complete their training, with ongoing support, leadership and oversight provided by senior staff in the sister isle.

Guernsey’s Ambulance & Rescue Service is making final preparations to start running the #Alderney ambulance service from 1st April. After initial training Alderney crews will be get ongoing support, leadership & oversight from Guernsey. https://t.co/gmYw2IHXPd@States_Alderney pic.twitter.com/qQXZnIB8K3

— St John Ambulance Guernsey (@stjohngsy) March 8, 2023

Aimee Lihou, Head of Quality & Patient Safety, said the recruits have been given a wide experience of medical, trauma and driving cases.

“When they first become operational in Alderney, they will initially be supported by a member of Guernsey staff who will be stationed temporarily in Alderney,” she said.

“Then as part of the new model for the Alderney ambulance service, we will give ongoing support with oversight from Guernsey. The crews will have 24/7 access by phone to senior ambulance clinicians based in Guernsey, as well as access to Alderney’s Island Medical Centre.”