Welsh Ambulance Service trailblazer recognised in King's Birthday Honours List
13.06.26
A Welsh Ambulance Service Consultant Paramedic has been recognised in His Majesty the King’s Birthday Honours List.
Paula Jeffery, 56, has been awarded the prestigious King’s Ambulance Service Medal for distinguished service, it was announced today.
Paula, who lives near Tenby with her husband Rob (QAM), began her career in the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps 37 years ago, qualifying as a nurse and working in Emergency and Minor Injury Departments before joining the Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service.
Paula, who has a grown-up blended family, has followed a remarkable career pathway in WAST. Starting with a 16-hour contract on the Patient Transport Service, she became an instructor at the National Ambulance Training College, progressing to the Urgent Care Service, Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic, and Prescribing Advanced Paramedic Practitioner before being appointed as the first female Consultant Paramedic in Wales.
She established the first iterations of the Advanced Practice rotational models in Primary Care, Secondary Care and GP Out of Hours and led the Welsh Ambulance Service (WAST) to become the first UK Ambulance Service to introduce Independent Prescribing.
These innovations now support the national framework for Advanced Paramedic Practice, enhancing care delivery and professional development across Wales.
Paula has also led on the integration of Consultant Connect to support patient pathways and the addition of Penthrox pain relief for clinical staff and volunteers to help injured patients in the community, with colleagues crediting Paula’s leadership with transforming clinical practice across Wales.
Her impact is further demonstrated by her creation of the Clinical Navigator Team within EMS Coordination, where her work led to the successful implementation of rapid clinical screening and phases of the call category changes, which were key components of the Clinical Model Transformation project.
These initiatives help to improve patient outcomes and streamline emergency responses.
Emma Wood, Chief Executive of the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “We are thrilled and immensely proud that Paula has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List.
“Over nearly four decades of dedicated service, Paula has exemplified outstanding leadership.
“She has consistently inspired those around her with her passion, pioneering spirit and dedication, striving to deliver exceptional care for the people of Wales.”
Greg Lloyd, the Trust’s Assistant Director of Clinical Delivery said: “Paula exemplifies compassionate leadership, professionalism, and teamwork.
“Her steadfast commitment to her colleagues, patients, and the wider ambulance service has motivated many.
“Her legacy is one of innovation, excellence, and lasting impact.”
Paula was more than surprised to receive the King’s Ambulance Medal and said: ”Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am never speechless, but on this occasion, I was genuinely lost for words.
“I can only say that it is such a tremendous honour, and I really do feel privileged to have been nominated by colleagues.
“I work with incredible Teams in WAST and knowing that someone took the time to make an application on my behalf, makes me feel very proud.”
Greg added: “For her trailblazing contributions, transformative leadership, and dedication to advancing ambulance services in Wales, Paula is highly deserving of the King’s Ambulance Medal.
“On behalf of everyone who has had the pleasure of working with Paula, I wish to congratulate her on this much deserved honour.”