The South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) has made a historic move by appointing Jaqualine Lindridge as its first-ever Chief Paramedic Officer. This landmark appointment follows an extensive recruitment process and marks a significant step in the Trust’s commitment to enhancing patient care and clinical leadership.
Jaqueline Lindridge will assume her board-level position in the autumn. Her responsibilities will encompass all education and training within SECAmb, as well as organizational learning and clinical supervision. This role is a key component of SECAmb’s new strategy, which aims to empower senior clinicians to collaboratively lead service delivery and improve patient care across Kent, Surrey, and Sussex.
“I feel both excited and privileged to be joining SECAmb as their first Chief Paramedic Officer. It’s a very exciting time for paramedics working in ambulance services. I look forward to working with all my new colleagues and making a positive contribution to patient care across Kent, Surrey, and Sussex,” said Lindridge.
Currently serving as the Director of Quality Improvement at the London Ambulance Service (LAS), Jacqueline brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She began her career as an ambulance technician in 2000, qualifying as a paramedic in 2003. Over the years, she has held several clinical roles, including emergency care practitioner, clinical tutor, and consultant paramedic, with a focus on clinical practice, leadership, and service development.
At LAS, Lindridge led the introduction of advanced paramedic practitioners in urgent care and served as the Trust’s mental capacity lead. She has also played a crucial role in developing national clinical guidance for paramedics and other ambulance clinicians, contributing to both the Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee (JRCALC) and NICE Guideline Committees.
SECAmb Chief Executive Simon Weldon expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointment, stating, “I am delighted we have made this appointment. I am particularly looking forward to seeing how this new role works in partnership with our Director of Quality & Nursing and with the Chief Medical Officer to truly embed senior clinicians at the heart of our leadership team. Jacqueline brings a wealth of experience to the role, as well as real enthusiasm, and I know she is excited to be joining us. I look forward to working closely with her to improve the service we provide to our patients.”
Jaqueline Lindridge’s appointment is expected to bring a new level of expertise and leadership to SECAmb, further advancing the quality of care provided to patients throughout the region.
