The industrial action on the mainland involves members of the Unite, Unison and GMB Unions, whose members are in dispute with their employers, NHS Trusts and the UK Government over pay. Guernsey is not part of the UK and not part of the NHS. The ambulance service in Guernsey is provided by St John on behalf of the States of Guernsey through a grant from the Committee for Health & Social Care (HSC). The grant is a contribution towards the operating costs of the service, with the remaining costs being met in a variety of ways including the subscription scheme. Ambulance clinicians in Guernsey have recently agreed pay terms for 2023 giving the ambulance service, ambulance crews and the States of Guernsey stability and confidence going into the new year. St John Ambulance & Rescue Service has a good relationship and open dialogue with Unite the Union and its members locally.
Guernsey’s Chief Ambulance Officer Mark Mapp said: “I would like to acknowledge the continuing dedication and hard work of our ambulance crews, including those who regularly return to work during their time off to ensure the service can maintain cover for the island at periods of high demand. For some of the year the service had a number of clinical vacancies, which temporarily put some additional pressure on crews, but working for the ambulance service remains a popular and rewarding career and as a result of a successful recruitment campaign we have attracted a number of local trainees.”
“I would also like to acknowledge realistic expectations of the staff and the union in recognising the challenging economic climate and cost of living crisis, in agreeing pay terms for 2023. We will continue, with our workforce and commissioners, to explore alignment with other healthcare professionals employed by HSC on Agenda for Change terms and conditions.”
The Badgers visited the GSPCA where they learnt about the work of the local animal welfare charity from Steve Byrne.
Mark Guilbert was the longest serving volunteer to be recognised having started as a St John cadet at the age of 12 and then serving for 40 years. During his time with St John Mark became an adult volunteer and trainer and was promoted to the rank of Commissioner of Operations. Mark won the National St John first aid competition and also served as a one of Guernsey’s first volunteer Community First Responders.
Mark said: “As a volunteer it is great giving something back to the community, but there is also the satisfaction of knowing that your actions may save a life. As a trainer it was always great to get feedback that your training has enabled others to use those skills for real.”
Trish De Carteret and Dr Rachel Major both received 4th bars to their long service medals, having volunteered with St John for 30 years.
Trish became a St John cadet when she was 10 years old having left Brownies and not wanting to join Guides. As an adult Trish worked as a youth leader when she reached 18 and later went on to become Commissioner of Youth.
Trish has fond memories of her time as a youth leader: “I loved working with the young people and helping to develop the skills of the young members. There were many highlights, including taking 30 cadets to Biberach in Germany on camp with the German Red Cross. I have got a great sense of worth, helping people, teaching, attending public duties, safeguarding and helping lead the organisation. Now I get pleasure working with the Fellowship keeping the retired members connected.
Dr Rachel Major always knew she wanted to do something in health and felt that St John would be a good place to help her gain experience. Rachel went on to qualify as a nurse and now teaches new generations of health care professionals at the Institute.
Rachel has been a divisional superintendent of a cadet division, been a Badger leader, the Bailiwick Nursing Office, Health and Social Care Manager and now Safeguarding Manager for St John.
She said: “I have met so many brilliant people over the years, both in St John and members of the public. Highlights would include seeing badgers and cadets grow and flourish. Over the years I have gained a lot from volunteering. It helped me to develop confidence and leadership skills. I have met people I may never have met otherwise. I first learnt to teach in St John and continue to teach and assess St John members. For me it is important to give back to the community and that gives me a great deal of satisfaction.”
Wilma De La Mare was presented with her 2nd bar having completed 20 years of service.
Husband and wife Jason and Annette Gallienne who have volunteered for 20 and 15 years respectively also received their long service bars.
Fiona Naftel was presented with her long service medal and 1st bar having completed 15 years service. Tony Robert was presented with his 1st bar after 15 years service.
Tom Burnett and Bertram De La Mare were presented with their long service medals for 10 years service.
St John Ambulance Guernsey Chief Executive Officer Heather Langlois paid tribute to all those who received awards: “St John is an organisation which provides a wide range of services to our local community. With their varying degrees of experience, skillsets, and backgrounds our diverse group of volunteers dedicate countless hours to caring for those around them, some of whom have given years of their life to the service. For their time, efforts, commitment, and passion over the years I extend my personal thanks, for without them we could not do what we do best, care for life.”
One evening during the summer Adam was off duty and had taken his dog for a walk on L’Ancresse Common, accompanied by his young son and his father.
Whilst walking along a section of open ground, away from any housing or roads, unfortunately and without any warning Adam’s father went into cardiac arrest.
Adam quickly identified what was happening and immediately summoned medical support, whilst simultaneously commencing extremely effective CPR. Adam continued to carry out CPR for in excess of 10 minutes whilst medical help was on its way. Whilst this was all going on, Adam remained calm and provided reassurance to his young son who was witnessing the incident.
Chief Ambulance Officer Mark Mapp said: “This would have been extremely stressful, emotional and physically tiring situation for Adam, who was in a remote part of the island, but he demonstrated excellent tenacity and professionalism whilst he continued to deliver effective CPR until assistance arrived.”
Due to the high standard of CPR administered over a substantial period of time and following more advanced treatment provided by paramedics, Adam’s father was successfully resuscitated and is now making a good recovery.
Adam’s calm and efficient actions were personally witnessed by a fellow police officer who came to the scene as a volunteer Community First Responder.
Mark Mapp added: “Both the paramedics and the doctor in the Emergency Department commented that the chance of survival in these cases of cardiac arrest are very rare and that Adams actions had no doubt saved his father’s life. By delivering prompt and effective CPR oxygen levels to the vital organs can be maintained, improving the chances of the patient making a good recovery, which is why is it so important that people learn CPR and have the confidence to use it, if someone collapses and stops breathing normally.”
Adam said: “I would encourage everyone to learn CPR. It is something we train for as police officers, but you don’t expect to have to do it to someone close to you, however statistically the chances of knowing the person who has a witnessed cardiac arrest are high, so having the skills and knowledge to know what to do can make a real difference to someone you love.”
The passing of the Very Reverend Canon Marc Trickey on 7 December 2022 is a cause of great sadness to the Commandery of St John in the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
Father Marc loved his connection with St John and provided thoughtful guidance and support to the organisation, as well as spiritual leadership. He was a great ambassador for the charity and always showed great interest in the work of St John locally, especially in the teaching of first aid and youth work.
Marc was actively involved with St John for more than 40 years. He was appointed to the St John Council for the Bailiwick in 2005 and then the Commandery Board when it was established in 2014. He was appointed a Member of the Order of St John, then styled as a ‘Serving Brother’, in the same year.
During this time Marc not only held the office of Chaplain to the Commandery, but also served as a director on a number of operating company boards, including that of the Commandery itself. He remained a passionate and engaged supporter until very shortly before his health deteriorated.
Previous Knight Commander Andrew Henton said: “Marc will be most remembered for the way that he interacted with and supported both volunteers and professionals working at St John. He was to many a highly trusted confidante with whom fears, concerns or the simple stresses of daily life could be shared. Never judgmental, Marc had the gift of being able to analyse problems or difficulties, and to provide both guiding counsel and reassurance. This no doubt reflected the richness of life experience which he had gained both in the UK and Guernsey, and meant he was always able to inject well-judged humour and levity with a twinkle in his eye.”
“Always modest and self-deprecating, the great respect Marc enjoyed from all quarters was a function of how he acted and behaved on a day to day basis. Values and principles are easy to mouth, but always more difficult to maintain and uphold in the face of distraction and competing priorities. Marc was an exemplar of the values which are held dear by St John, and we benefitted greatly from him diffusing those values amongst our cadets, adult volunteers and professional paramedics. He will be greatly missed.”
Former Knight Commander Nic Van Leuven said: “Marc was gentle but firm; wise without pretention; cheerful yet tolerant; always dignified. Despite the apparent disorder of his study at the Rectory, his was an ordered mind.
“During his Chaplaincy of St John, in all meetings we could rely on his insightful contributions, Marc only speaking when he had something to say – and it was always worth hearing him out. He was a man whose few but thoughtful and well-chosen words made everyone pay attention, because they were worth absorbing and applying. His pastoral contribution was ever practical, never preached.”
“He was wise in an informal and non-judgemental secular way. He wore his faith where appropriate lightly, which is why he could so readily relate to the issues and problems confronting St John and our personnel, especially in their more hazardous, and so stressful, aspects.”
Marc lead the annual church services and ceremonies for St John and one of his last duties as Chaplain was the blessing of the Flying Christine III marine ambulance on the 25th anniversary of its launch.
The flag at the Rohais ambulance headquarters was flown at half-mast as a mark of respect following the announcement of Father Marc’s death.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.
Guernsey’s ambulance service has a robust mutual aid agreement in place with the other Channel Islands and South Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust for such events and promptly activated internal processes in response to the incident in Jersey.
A number of Guernsey ambulance clinicians have been made available to assist the States of Jersey Ambulance Service and the St John marine ambulance ‘Flying Christine III’ with a volunteer boat crew is on standby to transport medical teams to Jersey if required.
Well established contingencies are in place as part of the emergency planning and preparedness plans to ensure normal ambulance operations in the Bailiwick of Guernsey can be maintained and the Ambulance & Rescue Service can continue business as usual while offering support to Jersey.
Guernsey’s Chief Ambulance Officer is in regular communication with Jersey’s Chief Ambulance Officer and our thoughts are with the community of Jersey at this difficult time.
Jackie Pattimore, Ashley Matthews and Christina Bacon, who all work for the States of Guernsey have been presented with the Chief Officers Recognition of Performance award for their actions earlier this year when they worked together to save the life of a member of the public who suffered a cardiac arrest while visiting their workplace at Edward T Wheadon House.
Jackie who is a St John volunteer and youth leader with the charity and a first aider in her work place was called to assist a gentleman who had collapsed in the doorway. It soon became apparent that the man was not breathing.
Whilst Jackie’s colleague, Facilities Manager Christina Bacon, called the ambulance and fetched the defibrillator, Jackie commenced CPR assisted by Ashley, who works at the premises as a security guard. Jackie attached the defibrillator and delivered a shock to the casualty.
Together they continued CPR until a Community First Responder and Firefighters from the Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service, who co-respond for the Ambulance Service, arrived to assist prior to the arrival of Ambulance clinician’s, who took over the treatment of the patient.
Due to quickly recognising that the patient had stopped breathing, by administering prompt and effective CPR and by delivering an early shock from the AED, the efficient team effort by Jackie, Ashley and Christina resulted in saving the gentleman’s life.
Chief Ambulance Officer Mark Mapp said: “When someone collapses, becomes unconscious and stops breathing it is important that someone recognises a cardiac arrest, calls 999, starts CPR and attaches a defibrillator if one if available. These are the first steps in the chain of survival and can be the difference between a life lost and a life saved. Thanks to their training and prompt actions Jackie, Ashley and Christina were able to make a difference when it really matters. I would like to congratulate them on their actions.”
The patient, who has made a good recovery has since been back to visit Jackie, Ashley and Christina to thank them personally for the treatment they gave him in his time of need.
Jackie said: “It means a lot to receive this recognition, but it is also a good feeling to know we made a difference to someone’s life on that day. Although you train for the worst case scenario, you hope you will never have to put those skills into practice. I am so pleased that thanks to the training I have received at St John I was to help in this case and I would really encourage everyone to learn first aid and particularly CPR.”
The appointment was formally announced in The Gazette, the official public record, last week (23rd November), having been sanctioned by His Royal Highness, The Duke of Gloucester on behalf of His Majesty the King.
Mr Hollis will become the Knight Commander of St John in the Bailiwick of Guernsey, a role which involves acting as a figure head for the organisation and representing St John at official events in both Guernsey and England, and chairing the Commandery, a board of directors which sets the strategic direction and has oversight of the various sections of the St John charity locally.
Mr Hollis, who has had a long and successful international business career in retail customer service and logistics, has been chairman of the boards of the St John Guernsey charity and St John Ambulance & Rescue Service since 2021. He was previously involved in two significant reviews of the St John Emergency Ambulance Service’s operations, during his time as a non-states member of Treasury & Resources and the States Trading Supervisory Board. He takes over in the role of Knight Commander from Andrew Henton who served in the role for the past five years.
Mr Hollis said: “I am honoured to have been appointed as Knight Commander and look forward to working to support and develop the many activities of St John in Guernsey. The organisation serves and cares for our community in so many ways, from event first aiders, community first responders, Badgers and Cadets, first aid training and the emergency ambulance service. Not long ago, we stood on our doorsteps every Thursday to clap the bravery of frontline medical staff, emergency services, volunteers and essential workers in Guernsey. We said we would not forget what they have done for us during the pandemic. Therefore, I am pleased and grateful to be able to help this generous and caring group of people in any way I can.”
A formal investiture ceremony is due to take place at the historic Priory church of St John in Clerkenwell, London next year,
The full title is Knight Commander for the Commandery of St John in the Bailiwick and reflects that St John is a Royal Order of Chivalry with all members appointed at the discretion of His Majesty the King.
The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem has its roots in a hospice in Jerusalem in the 11th century. Today the international charity provides health care and support in more than forty countries through a dedicated team of around 250,000 volunteers and staff. In addition to being commissioned to provide the Emergency Ambulance Service in Guernsey, St John Guernsey’s further charitable services include first aid volunteers, the Flying Christine marine ambulance, the Badger and Cadet youth programme, Community First Responders, Caring Callers, the Community Library, first aid training and healthcare shop.
An individual can be admitted to the Order for outstanding service to St John in recognition of achievement, notable or selfless service or inspiration and encouragement to others. There are five Grades of membership Member, Officer, Commander, Knight or Dame and Bailiff or Dame Grand Cross.
(John Hollis pictured with the Chief Ambulance Officer, Chief Executive Officer and outgoing Knight Commander during the visit of Baroness Fookes earlier this year)
Guernsey’s St John Emergency Ambulance Service is reminding islanders of the benefits of the Ambulance Subscription Scheme, which provides free ambulance responses, assessment and treatment by qualified clinicians for members for a single annual payment.
Membership of the 2023 scheme for Guernsey residents is £59 for an adult, £27 for a child and £43 for a senior citizen.
Click here for further details https://ambulance.gg/subscription-scheme/
The reminder about the subscription scheme comes as the service announces the ambulance charges for 2023, which will see people without a subscription paying from £420 for each ambulance attendance, plus an additional £81 for a paramedic treatment. (Full list of charges below).
Ambulances in Guernsey are not free, so anyone who isn’t a member of the subscription scheme and who doesn’t have adequate health insurance will be charged for an emergency ambulance call.
The Emergency Ambulance Service in Guernsey is provided by St John on behalf of the States of Guernsey, through a grant from the Committee for Health & Social Care. The grant is a contribution towards the operating costs of the service, with the remaining costs being met in a variety of ways including the subscription scheme.
Chief Ambulance Officer Mark Mapp said: “St John has been unable to hold back applying the cost of living increases to our ambulance scheme for 2023. We have seen an unprecedented increase in medical inflation costs. The costs of running vehicles, equipment, medical consumables and insurances have all contributed to an overall increase in the costs of running a safe and effective service.”
St John Ambulance and Rescue board member Marc Farror added “We want to avoid large, step changes in pricing and we can only do this if we apply small annual increases that reflect surges in our operational running costs. We recognise that even the smallest increase can affect household budgets, therefore we have for 2023 introduced the options to pay a subscription in four instalments over four quarters of the year. Joining the subscription scheme provides piece of mind, value for money and avoids a large bill in the unfortunate event of needing an ambulance.”
Renewal emails and letters for existing members are being sent out during November and anyone with an existing direct debit will automatically be renewed and therefore does not need to take any action – unless their details have changed.
Subscription membership covers up to 25 ambulance journeys, including the attendance of an ambulance, assessment and treatment by a qualified clinician at the scene and/or conveyance to hospital for further care if required. The 2023 subscription covers up to 10 non-emergency patient transfers booked in advance by a healthcare professional. It also covers Guernsey residents for the Flying Christine marine ambulance.
A separate Ambulance Subscription is available for residents of Herm at a cost of £86 and residents of Sark can join the scheme for an annual charge of £140 per individual. Visitors from outside the Bailiwick can join the Visitors subscription scheme which costs £59 per individual and covers a 3 month period.
Anyone who is not a member of the Ambulance Subscription Scheme and would like to join for 2023 can sign up online https://subscription.ambulance.gg/
| 2023 Ambulance Subscription Scheme | |
| Type | Cost |
| Adult | £59 |
| Child | £27 |
| OAP | £43 |
| Herm resident | £86 |
| Sark resident | £140 |
| Top-up – for non-emergency patient transport | £37 |
| Visitor (3 months) | £59 |
| 2023 Ambulance charges (without a subscription) | |
| Ambulance charge | £420 |
| Paramedic charge | £81 |
| Flying Christine Herm | £555 |
| Flying Christine Sark | £2077 |
| Flying Christine Alderney | £2778 |
Kelly’s Falls Prevention and Management project aims to provide emergency lifting equipment to Community Services, to improve the efficiencies of patient care and costs and avoiding prolonged issues resultant from long-lie injuries.
The judges were so impressed with Kelly’s idea that it was announced that her runners-up prize of one thousand pounds would be boosted to three thousand pounds in a joint venture between Insurance Corporation, HSC and St John Ambulance Guernsey, meaning a special lifting chair for her project will soon be available within the community.
During her presentation Kelly explained that falls account for a significant proportion of calls to the Guernsey ambulance service. In 2020, 731 people called 999 following a fall, however many of these were non-injured fallers, placing added strain on Emergency Services.
Emergency Medical Technician Nick Davison was highly commended and received very worthy recognition for his proposal “This is MY voice”. The idea was to enable service users the chance to keep their voice when injury diseases, such as MNR, Parkinsons and MS, have the potential to take it away. By recording and preserving the voice digitally, the scheme will future-proof service users ability to help communicate with friends and family later.
Both Kelly and Nick were commended for thinking outside of the ‘999’ emergency ‘box’ and looking for initiatives that are preventative. Their thinking aligns to the HSC Partnership of Purpose and the ambulance service’s future development of urgent and community care and public health.
Guernsey’s Bailiff, Richard McMahon announced the winners of the 2022 Health & Social Care Bursary at a ceremony last week, in the presence of the President of the Committee for Health & Social Care, Deputy Al Brouard. The overall winners were Nicola Cross and Hayley Bearman for their ‘Step Forward’ project, which aims to encourage patients discharged from hospital to be motivated to become more mobile by the use of a pedometer.
The annual Insurance Corporation Health & Social Care Bursary is the only awards scheme in the Bailiwick promoting and celebrating health and wellbeing in the Bailiwick. Each year we invite staff from HSC to submit ideas to improve the health or social care provision in the Bailiwick.
The Insurance Corporation Health and Social Care Bursary was established by Peter Walpole the founder of Insurance Corporation, who realised healthcare employees had lots of innovative ideas but no obvious method of obtaining funding or support to make their concept become a reality.
(Photos by Chris George)
