North East invited to help shape the next decade of ambulance care

North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) is inviting members of the public, patients, and stakeholders to join its Annual General Meeting (AGM) this October and be among the first to hear about the organisation's new strategy for the next decade. 

Taking place at The Durham Centre in Belmont, County Durham between 2pm to 4pm on Thursday 8 October, the event will launch NEAS's future plans and explore how the service will build on its strengths while preparing for a changing world. 

Booking is open now and registration closes on Wednesday 30 September: https://bit.ly/4qwXvWI

The North East is a region of pride, resilience and opportunity and over the next decade, healthcare needs, technology, workforce expectations and public services will continue to evolve. The new strategy sets out how NEAS will evolve too, while protecting the things that matter most to patients, communities and colleagues. 

Developed following extensive engagement with colleagues, patients, communities and partner organisations, the strategy considers what must never change, as well as what will need to change. It explores how new challenges can become opportunities to redesign care around what matters most to patients and communities. 

NEAS begins this new decade from a position of strength. Serving 2.7 million people across the North East, the trust employs more than 3,600 colleagues and delivers vital NHS 111 and 999 services every day. In the last year alone, NEAS answered more than 1.475 million calls and responded to more than 40,444 life-threatening incidents, reflecting the scale and importance of the care it provides across the region.

Alongside the strategy launch, attendees can explore interactive displays and meet some of the people who deliver care across the region. 

NEAS Chief Executive Kevin Scollay said: “Our AGM is the start of an exciting new chapter for NEAS. It is an opportunity to bring people together, launch our new strategy and share our ambition for the decade ahead. 

“We begin this next decade from a position of strength, trusted by patients, respected by partners and supported by highly skilled colleagues. Our strategy looks at what must never change, as well as what needs to change as healthcare, technology and expectations continue to evolve. 

“These changes bring challenges, but they also give us real opportunities to redesign care around what matters most to patients and communities. This is our strategy and our shared future, and I hope colleagues, partners and members of the public will join us to hear more and be part of what comes next.” 

NEAS Chair, Stuart Corbridge added: "Our AGM provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the past year and to look ahead to what's next. 

"It is also an exciting moment for NEAS as we launch a new strategy that will guide our organisation over the long term and ensure we remain a modern, responsive and compassionate service for generations to come."

To book your place, visit: North East Ambulance Service AGM and setting our future direction – Fill in form