NHS England Chief Executive visits North East Ambulance Service following outstanding performance for patients
North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) welcomed NHS England Chief Executive Sir Jim Mackey to the region this week following a month of outstanding performance that saw patients receive faster, more timely care than ever before.
Sir Jim met senior operational leaders and colleagues from across the service to understand how NEAS met all six national Ambulance Response Programme (ARP) standards in April for the first time since 2018. The visit focused on how these improvements were achieved – and, crucially, what they meant for patients across the North East.
He said: “For patients across the North East, the impact is clear: faster responses, better decisions and improved care when it matters most.”
Over the past year, NEAS has delivered significant and sustained improvements in response times and patient care. Patients have been reached more quickly, received more clinical support earlier, and been guided to the most appropriate treatment first time, reducing unnecessary hospital attendances.
At the heart of this progress was a clear and consistent focus: improving outcomes for patients. Stronger performance meant ambulances arrived sooner when people needed urgent help, clinicians were able to make more informed decisions at the scene, and patients accessed the right care pathway without delay.
Kevin Scollay, chief executive at NEAS, said: “Performance matters because it means our patients are getting the care they need more quickly and more consistently. What our people achieved in April showed what is possible when everyone across the organisation is aligned around that purpose. This wasn’t about a single change - it was about hundreds of small decisions, made every day, that added up to better care.”
The improvements seen in April reflected a collective effort across the service. From frontline crews and emergency operations centre staff to patient transport services and support teams, progress was driven by stronger teamwork, clearer clinical decision-making, and better coordination across the wider health and care system.
Improvements in system flow, including more timely hospital handovers, also supported faster responses by helping crews return to patients more quickly.
Jim’s visit provided an opportunity to showcase the work behind the performance - highlighting how consistent focus, shared learning and strong collaboration translated into real improvements for patients.
The visit also reflected growing national recognition of NEAS as a high-performing service, following its recent presentation as a regional exemplar at an NHS England roadshow.