MP joins Paramedics on the front line.

pictured: Left to right, Mark Nevins, Sharon Hodgson and Simon Mobberley

Tyne and Wear MP Sharon Hodgson joined a pair of local Paramedics for eight hours of their 12-hour Christmas shift today.

The MP joined Mark Nevins and Simon Mobberley from the North East Ambulance Service, as they dealt with a number of emergency responses throughout the day.  The Christmas period is an especially busy time for ambulance workers, with a marked increase in the number of alcohol related incidents in the run up to the holiday season, as well as difficulties caused by freezing weather and Mrs Hodgson was keen to show her support for NHS staff during this difficult period.

Sharon Hodgson MP said:

“I’ve found the day challenging but very rewarding.  People always say that paramedics do an incredible job, but having seen things from the front line I can honestly say, that I do not know how they manage to stay calm and deliver such high quality care whilst dealing with some tremendously stressful situations on a daily basis.  From speaking to Mark and Simon, it's clear that we have to make sure the best possible equipment is available to paramedics, but we also have to ensure that we look after them and do not ask too much for too little.  That's why today has reaffirmed my commitment to maintaining spending on frontline NHS services and challenging any cuts that might reduce the service available to the people of the North East.”

"The North East Ambulance Service NHS Trust is the best performing ambulance service in the UK and after a day with a couple of the north east's finest, I can see why."

Mark Nevins said:

“It was a pleasure to have Sharon with us today.  She came across as very interested in our work but also very caring about the people we were dealing with.  Christmas is always a busy time and it is good to see a politician willing to get her hands dirty and see for herself what our jobs are like.  We see a lot of alcohol related incidents over the festive period including an increased number of car crashes.  I think we might be the only flashing lights that people don’t want to see this Christmas, so please take care at all times – however good the party is!”

End

Notes to editors:

The North East Ambulance Service is the best performing ambulance service in the UK.

The NEAS is currently applying for Foundation Trust Status.

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Sharon Hodgson MP
House of Commons,
London SW1A 0AA

E-mail: hodgsons@parliament.uk

Constituency Office Tel. 0191 417 2000.