Young artists bring some early festive cheer: North East Ambulance Service unveils annual Christmas card design

Every year, North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) invites children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews to submit artwork that reflects the spirit of the festive season and the values at the heart of the service – care, compassion and community.

This year, the service received 26 designs showcasing all areas of our service including the emergency operation centre, Patient Transport Service, frontline crews and the wider NHS, all in the spirit of Christmas.

The children were also asked to share what they thought about their family members working over the Christmas period.

Ellie, aged 13, whose cousin Zoe Reade works within the Emergency Operations Centre at NEAS as a health advisor, was chosen as the overall winner.

She said: “I’m happy my cousin is there for everyone who needs help at Christmas. Even Santa if he gets stuck in the chimney!”

With such a talented pool of designs to choose from, five runners-up were also chosen: Fraser (7), Isla (10), Noah (11), George (2) and Phoebe (4). 

Noah said: “I wish my Mam broke up for Christmas when I break up from school but I know she has an important job looking after people working in the ambulance service.”

Isla added: “It is sad, but they could be at work for Christmas helping someone who needs it.”

Last year, NEAS health advisors answered more than 2,500 999 calls and more than 4,500 of the region’s 111 calls across Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with frontline crews attending just under 2,500 patients who needed help. 

The Christmas designs will be sent to partner organisations, local stakeholders, and teams across the service and shared through the service’s social media channels in the run up to Christmas.

Kevin Scollay, chief executive at North East Ambulance Service said: “Christmas can often look quite different for the children or family members of emergency service workers, with loved ones not being around to celebrate over the festive season, including Christmas Day. 

“Holding this annual competition is just one way that we like to remind all our colleagues and patients of the sacrifices many of our frontline and emergency operations centre colleagues make over the festive period.

“We have been spoiled this year with so many brilliant designs, showcasing the breadth of the service as well as the amazing creativity and talented artists. Thank you to everyone who took part and congratulations to our winners." 

Head of emergency preparedness, resilience and response (EPRR) at NEAS, Stu Holliday, said: “This Christmas period, we’re asking patients to consider how you use our service. 

“Winter is a very busy time for our crews and emergency operations centre colleagues, and they are taking time away from their families to keep everyone safe.

“We ask that during the festive period, you only call 999 and use A&E in a life-threatening emergency. If it’s not an emergency, please consider contacting your GP, local pharmacy, or use 111 online.” 

Top tips for looking after yourself and loved ones this Christmas include:

• Remain in control – don’t drink too much alcohol to avoid trips, falls and alcohol poisoning    
• Keep an eye on each other – drink spiking is a real threat so watch each other’s drinks   
• Be prepared for common health problems by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home and making sure that you have enough prescription medication to last over the holiday period.  
• Community pharmacists are excellent at giving a lot of advice about self-care and medications they can offer you to treat your condition at home.  
• Health advice and information is available via the NHS App or the NHS website, or from your local GP practice website which links to a range of online services, and, in most cases, you can order repeat prescriptions online.  
• For children’s health advice you can visit the Healthier Together website www.nenc-healthiertogether.nhs.uk, which covers a wide range of illnesses in children from common minor ailments including teething, constipation and colds, through to more serious conditions.  
• If you, or someone you know, are in a mental health crisis and need urgent support, you can now call NHS 111 and select the mental health option.  
• If you do suffer a minor injury or illness, NHS 111 online and on the phone is a great place to see advice and can help you reach the right place for your care.  
• If you require emergency care, you should call 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department. You should ONLY go to an Emergency Department if you or someone else has a life-threatening emergency, such as:  
• Loss of consciousness  
• Acute confused state and fits that are not stopping  
• Chest pain  
• Breathing difficulties  
• Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped