Bethan Davies, Peoples Services Senior Advisor
Bethan has been an exceptional asset to #TeamWAST, consistently demonstrating an unwavering commitment to fostering a positive and supportive environment for all team members. From the outset, Bethan has gone above and beyond to ensure that each team member feels confident in the processes they are required to apply. Through comprehensive guidance and clear communication, Bethan has demystified complex procedures, enabling the team to navigate tasks with greater assurance and efficiency. This clarity has been instrumental in reducing uncertainty and boosting overall morale. Bethan provides thoughtful feedback and constructive insights. She has helped the team to make informed choices, always encouraging us to trust in our collective judgment. This has improved the quality of our outcomes and empowered us to take ownership of our work.
Natalie Jenkins. National Delivery Manager Operational Delivery Unit Natalie started in the ambulance service in 2002 as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (999 Call Handler), working her way up to National Delivery Manager. Even as a senior manager, Natalie will brighten up the room with her smile and laugh, which is needed when staff are feeling the pressures of the NHS. Natalie provides guidance and advice to all the staff she communicates with and encourages them to be their best. Natalie brings strong assets to the role, and the Operational Delivery Unit is incredibly fortunate to have them as a National Delivery Manager. First, they are dedicated and hardworking. They are extremely organised and focused on continuously learning and developing best practices to manage and lead efficiently and effectively. They bring a positive high energy and a personal touch.
Kelly Baker, Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service Control Manager I have worked with Kelly twice. The first time on redeployment, and the second time as a permanent member of staff. Over the last years of service, she has been the most honest, kind, supportive manager I've had the pleasure to work with. She has a way with people that shows how much she believes in them. She can lift them to achieve things that they don't expect to achieve. She supports everyone who comes on her team, particularly the people who have come on redeployment making them immediately feel like part of the team. She is open, honest and a credit to #TeamWAST. She is an inspiration to those of us who want to become managers, to lead by her example.
Robyn Turner, Clinical Contact Centre Training Assistant
Robyn is always positive, making her very approachable. She is always ready for a challenge, approaching it with an open mind. She will evaluate every element of the task, making sure there is no stone uncovered. Watching her work with such focus and determination is very inspiring to me and other colleagues within the team. Robyn previously worked in education, and her knowledge and expertise are outstanding, bringing lots of ideas. She has a sensible outlook in everything she does. I am inspired to work towards her work ethic and continue to look up to her as a role model.
Gareth Long, Paramedic
The most amazing paramedic and friend to everyone in the Prince of Wales A&E. What an incredible human Gareth was!
Alan Williams, Operational Team Leader, Cardiff and Vale
Alan has worked for #TeamWAST for over 30 years. During this time, he has worked as an Ambulance Care Assistant 1 and is currently working as an Operational Team Leader in the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. On his journey, Alan has mentored numerous new starters, welcoming them to the role and assisting them in learning the ropes. Due to his years of experience, he is very knowledgeable and has passed this on and is also utilising this in providing solutions with planning quickly in his current role. He is well-liked and a valuable member of the team, often acting up for the Operations Manager and proving he can stand his ground. He is kind, reliable and a role model.
Mike Finiak, Duty Operational Manager (DOM)
Throughout his extensive career in providing ambulance services to the people of Wales, Mike has exemplified a true spirit of compassion and dedication. From the moment I began my role, Mike, then my former manager, welcomed me with open arms, embodying the commitment to a strong community where everyone feels they belong. He took me under his wing, ensuring that I felt supported and valued. Mike has an unwavering clear purpose in putting others first. Whether he is managing a team, caring for patients, or simply lending a listening ear, Mike constantly puts the needs of others before his own. Even during challenging times when most people would understandably focus inward, Mike remains outwardly focused, driven by a need to support and uplift those around him.
Darren Panniers, Head of Service
Darren allowed me to experience a leadership role as a secondment. Darren didn't know me, and I didn't have a clue who he was! He asked the most random interview questions, which challenged me, but they led to my role as a Locality Manager just as a pandemic hit. Darren can encourage you when needed, question you in a constructive way when you may not have made the best decision, and most importantly offer wise words when they are needed. Knowing your manager looks out for you, offers you opportunities to build your confidence as well and puts you healthily outside of your comfort zone is priceless when wanting to learn. Despite the turbulent few years we have had, Darren has been a constant to us all, trusting us to fulfil our roles, whatever that may be, but will always be an advocate for frontline staff, his wider team and the public who rely on us for their safety. Thank you, Mr. P, for the opportunities and belief in others.
Nigel Phillips, Jane Hitchings, Neil Phelps, Treena Sullivan, Mike Howells, Hannah Ivey, Christine Champion, David Blacker, Philip Wilkins, Darren Miles, Lowri Jones, Caroline McCaughey, Rhian Bevan, Ferdi Lashari, Gary Brennan, Cwm Taff Duty Opertional Management team - Hawthorn Merthyr and Bridgend
The last couple of months have been incredibly difficult in our region. Unfortunately, we have experienced four bereavements of long-serving staff members in our locality; they have all been sudden deaths, three of which were unexpected. The Duty Operations Managers have been incredibly strong throughout and have pulled together and been there to support everyone through this very sad time, even though they are grieving their loss. They have shown sensitivity, support, care and empathy - their resilience is second to none. They have all worked together to ensure a safe service while covering core shifts so staff can attend the funerals. The Duty Operation Managers have been an inspiration and shown impeccable comradery at the worst time.
Ashley Whittaker, Senior Paramedic - Aneurin Bevan
Ashley has inspired and assisted me over the time I have known him to follow my dream of becoming a Paramedic for WAST. I have now applied to university with the hopes of following my dream of becoming an HCPC-qualified Paramedic. He has organised and taken me on ride-outs to show me the role. He is a true inspiration to me and others as he fulfils his job to the best of his ability. I have personally witnessed him with patients and the care he gives is second to none. I hope one day I can give his high level of care, attention and knowledge to others.
Louise Rees and Donna-Marie Jones, Paramedic - Barry
Both paramedics have been inspiring from the day that I met them. They show their love of the job every day and push me to progress in my career and maybe become a paramedic with them one day. They always take the time to teach me new things on their break or talk things through, and they are always the smiling faces of the station.