Meet the winners of the WAST Awards 2024
13.11.24
THE Welsh Ambulance Service celebrated its staff and volunteers at an awards ceremony yesterday (Tuesday 12 November 2024).
More than 200 guests gathered at Newport’s International Convention Centre for the annual WAST Awards, which the Lord-Lieutenant of Gwent Brigadier Robert Aitken CBE also attended.
More than 300 nominations were received for this year’s event, which is designed to recognise staff, volunteers and the public for their contributions over the past year.
Among the winners were the ‘Make-Ready’ team in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, who won the prestigious Team of the Year Award.
Make-Ready fleet assistants clean and re-stock ambulance vehicles, improving infection control and freeing up ambulance crews to spend more time in the community.
Tony Crandon, Make Ready Depot Service Manager, said: “It’s wonderful to see the team pick up such a coveted award.
“I’m proud of all of our Make-Ready teams across Wales because the work they do is very important, but the Barry team in particular go above and beyond, and the friendship they have formed is wonderful to see.”
The Welsh Language Award went to colleagues in NHS 111 Wales for their dedication to improving the Welsh call answering rate for the 111 service.
An improvement plan they developed has seen the number of 111 calls answered in Welsh increase from 18 per cent to 46 per cent.
Melfyn Hughes, the Trust’s Welsh Language Services Manager, said: “I am delighted to see the efforts of the team recognised and they fully deserve the award.
“They have shown that with the right approach, application and desire, it is possible to make a real difference to the Welsh language service we offer to the people of Wales.
“Da iawn and well done to everyone involved in this tremendous achievement.”
The Public Recognition Award went to good Samaritan Owen Mansel, 19, who used his first aid training from a previous role as a lifeguard to assist at not one, but two medical emergencies in one day, just 100 yards apart.
While driving a member of the public who’d had a fall to hospital, the apprentice mechanic came across a serious road traffic accident.
He gave chest compressions to the patient and supported paramedic Ross Griffin at the scene until further help arrived.
Chief Executive Jason Killens said: “Owen showed a remarkable effort.
“To not only stop, but to support and stay while someone was in desperate need, is commendable, and to do this twice in one day is truly inspirational.
“Owen’s actions helped manage and assess the situation before further help arrived and ensured the best possible treatment was available.
“I extend my gratitude and thanks to Owen in what was clearly a very difficult and distressing job.”
Meanwhile, the Chair’s Award went to Organisational Development Manager Fatehullah Tahir, who was recognised for the care, compassion, and respect he gives to others.
Sara Mills, Head of Culture and Organisational Development, said: “Faz has a unique ability to listen and ask the right questions, always with gentleness and empathy to better understand the issues affecting our people and help design solutions which truly make a difference.
“His exceptional listening skills allowed him to support colleagues through some of their most challenging moments.
“Faz is a valued member of the Organisational Development Team and a truly deserving winner.”
Chair Colin Dennis said: “Our people are the very fabric of the Welsh Ambulance Service and without their incredible efforts, we simply couldn’t do what we do.
“It is entirely fitting that we celebrate their contributions and recognise their achievements over the past year.
“The WAST Awards are a chance for staff, volunteers and members of the public to say a big thank you while highlighting the invaluable contributions of our people.
“Today, we celebrated everything that is great about this organisation and said thank you to our staff and volunteers for the remarkable work they do, day in, day out.
“Thanks to all those who took the time to submit a nomination or cast a vote.”
Click here to watch the recording of yesterday’s event.
Full list of winners:
Emergency Medical Service Award
North: Dermot O’Leary (Locality Manager, Rhyl)
South East: Ceremonial Team
Central: Dr Ian Russell (BASICS Doctor)
South Central: Bradley Lovelock (Emergency Medical Technician, Whitland)
Ambulance Care Award
North: Operational Team Leaders
Central and West: Daniel Luke Jones (Ambulance Care Assistant, Swansea)
South East: Lucy Evans (South East Control Team Leader)
South Central: Colin Barnett (Ambulance Care Assistant)
Clinical Contact Centre Award
North: Lewis Hall (EMSC Call Handler)
Central: Josie Rees (Assistant EMS Controller)
South East: Laura Charles (Duty Control Manager)
Support Services Award
ICT Team
Community Responder of the Year Award
Ben James (Tenby, Pembrokeshire Team)
Community Responder Team of the Year Award
Fairbourne Team (South Gwynedd)
Volunteer Car Service Driver of the Year Award
George Lawrance (Volunteer Car Service Driver, Neath)
Team of the Year Award
Barry Make Ready Department
Gail Williams Award
Emergency Medical Services Team (South Wales)
Inspiring Others Award
North: Stephanie Young (Volunteer Support Officer)
Central and West: James Bingham (Paramedic) and Steve Hutchinson (Paramedic)
South East: Alan Williams (Operational Team Leader, Cardiff and Vale)
Great Listener Award
North: Meryl Jones (Quality Audit Manager)
Central and West: Lium Jones (Cymru High Acuity Response Unit, Bryncethin)
South East: Anthony Rich (Transfer Team Leader)
Learning and Innovation Award
Connected Support Cymru team
Integrated Care Award
North: Samantha Winnett (NHS 111 Wales Nurse Advisor)
Central and West: Carla Hope (Clinical Contact Centre Clinician)
South East: Will Adams (Senior Mental Health Clinician)
Public Recognition Award
Owen Mansel
People’s Choice Award
Melissa Harris (111 Call Handler)
Welsh Language Award
NHS 111 Wales Management Team
Chair’s Award
Fatehullah Tahir (Organisational Development Manager, Cwmbran)
Chief Executive’s Award
Corporate Governance Team