East of England Ambulance Service clinical advisor receives national recognition

Emergency care practitioner Maggie Cook, clinical advisor in the Norwich HEOC, has been recognised by Priority Solutions for her outstanding contribution, determination and commitment in her role.

Maggie had to retire from front-line work due to personal circumstances and was given the option of medical retirement or re-deployment; she chose the latter and after a trial period became a full-time member of the clinical support staff in the Norwich HEOC. To enable Maggie to continue in this role, she travels to work in her camper van where she lives on a local camp site at her own expense to allow her to continue to work.

Maggie is in the top quartile for call compliance and performance ensuring that low acuity emergency callers are directed to the most appropriate pathway. Mandy Wegg, clinical support desk standardisation lead, nominated Maggie for the Bill Boehly Clinician of the Year award.

Mandy said: "Maggie's dedication to her role is phenomenal. Maggie's decision to continue her employment with the Trust despite the logistics of living away from home whilst working is commendable. She exudes an amazing calmness to the HEOC and her reassuring demeanour and dedication to her role made her a worthy recipient for the award.

Paul Bassett, HEOC general manager in Norwich paid tribute to Maggie for her outstanding commitment and determination to continue to be able to provide a service to patients.