Menu
13/10/2023
NIAS To Recruit 48 New Paramedics
The Department of Health has approved a Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) recruitment campaign to secure 48 additional paramedics.
The approval will mean that the first cohort of students graduating from the BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science degree in 2024 will be able to apply for the newly created positions within NIAS.
Department of Health Permanent Secretary Peter May said: "NIAS provides a vital service right across Northern Ireland, receiving more than 600 emergency calls every day. Pressures on NIAS have increased significantly in recent years and the addition of these new paramedic roles will support the service to further develop new ways of working.
"We know that effective workforce planning is essential to the sustainability of our health service but our ability to make progress is wholly dependent on a sustained budget. The BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science degree was established to provide a local pipeline of highly qualified healthcare professionals who could take up roles in NIAS, or other parts of our health system. It’s therefore imperative that we have the necessary resource to create career opportunities within the HSC so that we can retain students graduating from Department of Health funded programmes."
Welcoming the announcement, NIAS Chief Executive Michael Bloomfield said: "I am delighted that we will have an extra 48 paramedic places with effect from September 2024. It is a welcome first step in securing the additional staff referenced in the demand/capacity review undertaken a number of years ago which identified the need for greater numbers of staff to ensure the full implementation of the NIAS Clinical Response Model.
"The news will be of particular interest to those students who are currently undertaking their final year of study for the Paramedic Science (BSc) Hons course. They now have assurance that, on completion of their course and success in the necessary NIAS recruitment process, they will have the opportunity to pursue a career in Paramedicine with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
"The increased number of paramedics, and the skill base that they bring, will be of benefit to those most critically ill patients, whose need is immediate in life-threatening situations. Additionally they will enhance the opportunities, already utilised by our current frontline staff, to assess patients at scene and, where appropriate, consider alternative care pathways that will be of greater benefit to the patient than attendance at already busy EDs.
"I look forward to welcoming these new paramedics in 2024 and others as we build our workforce to meet the needs of our local communities."
The approval will mean that the first cohort of students graduating from the BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science degree in 2024 will be able to apply for the newly created positions within NIAS.
Department of Health Permanent Secretary Peter May said: "NIAS provides a vital service right across Northern Ireland, receiving more than 600 emergency calls every day. Pressures on NIAS have increased significantly in recent years and the addition of these new paramedic roles will support the service to further develop new ways of working.
"We know that effective workforce planning is essential to the sustainability of our health service but our ability to make progress is wholly dependent on a sustained budget. The BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science degree was established to provide a local pipeline of highly qualified healthcare professionals who could take up roles in NIAS, or other parts of our health system. It’s therefore imperative that we have the necessary resource to create career opportunities within the HSC so that we can retain students graduating from Department of Health funded programmes."
Welcoming the announcement, NIAS Chief Executive Michael Bloomfield said: "I am delighted that we will have an extra 48 paramedic places with effect from September 2024. It is a welcome first step in securing the additional staff referenced in the demand/capacity review undertaken a number of years ago which identified the need for greater numbers of staff to ensure the full implementation of the NIAS Clinical Response Model.
"The news will be of particular interest to those students who are currently undertaking their final year of study for the Paramedic Science (BSc) Hons course. They now have assurance that, on completion of their course and success in the necessary NIAS recruitment process, they will have the opportunity to pursue a career in Paramedicine with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
"The increased number of paramedics, and the skill base that they bring, will be of benefit to those most critically ill patients, whose need is immediate in life-threatening situations. Additionally they will enhance the opportunities, already utilised by our current frontline staff, to assess patients at scene and, where appropriate, consider alternative care pathways that will be of greater benefit to the patient than attendance at already busy EDs.
"I look forward to welcoming these new paramedics in 2024 and others as we build our workforce to meet the needs of our local communities."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 October 2008
Green Light For New 999 Ambulances
Up to 60 new A&E ambulances - and a further 60 non-emergency vehicles and 26 Rapid Response Vehicles - will be purchased as part of a major £17 million capital investment in the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) - but not before time if critics are correct.
Green Light For New 999 Ambulances
Up to 60 new A&E ambulances - and a further 60 non-emergency vehicles and 26 Rapid Response Vehicles - will be purchased as part of a major £17 million capital investment in the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) - but not before time if critics are correct.
08 October 2024
Emergency Services Praised For Response To Bus Crash
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has commended the swift and effective response of emergency services and hospital staff following a major bus accident in County Down today.
Emergency Services Praised For Response To Bus Crash
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has commended the swift and effective response of emergency services and hospital staff following a major bus accident in County Down today.
30 July 2013
Mother And Baby Injured In Downpatrick
A mother and baby have been injured in a road accident in Downpatrick involving a horse transporter. It is thought that the empty horse transporter rolled down a hill and hit the mother and baby on Irish Street at about 14:00 this afternoon.
Mother And Baby Injured In Downpatrick
A mother and baby have been injured in a road accident in Downpatrick involving a horse transporter. It is thought that the empty horse transporter rolled down a hill and hit the mother and baby on Irish Street at about 14:00 this afternoon.
14 March 2014
Man Rescued After Dangling From Lighthouse
A man has been rescued after being left dangling some 50ft high in the air from a lighthouse, after his scaffolding gave way.
Man Rescued After Dangling From Lighthouse
A man has been rescued after being left dangling some 50ft high in the air from a lighthouse, after his scaffolding gave way.
10 August 2018
Funding Announced For Eight New Greenway Schemes
Funding of £200,000 has been announced for the development of eight new Greenway schemes.
Funding Announced For Eight New Greenway Schemes
Funding of £200,000 has been announced for the development of eight new Greenway schemes.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
