“You need patience… and humour! Definitely humour. You do have to give a lot of yourself to the job. If you’re happy to do that, you’re all good.” 🚗💚
Volunteer ambulance car service driver, Jeremy ‘Jez’ Browne is no stranger to an early morning. In a former life, he was a member of the armed forces so is used to an early morning start. His military background made transitioning into our ambulance car service somewhat easier than most would find it - especially when he does the 4am to 2pm shift!
Following redundancy, a friend and fellow volunteer suggested Jez looked into volunteering with the service. He hasn’t looked back since. Volunteering through some of the services most challenging times, including the COVID pandemic, Jez has always been there for his patients; a smiling friendly face and good humour making some of our patients scariest journeys more relaxing and comfortable.
Providing a vital role for the service, Jez and his car service colleagues help support our patient transport service in taking patients to and from their hospital appointments. Though they may say “it’s just their job”, the impact they have on our patients care is phenomenal.
Earlier this year, Jez was recognised for his incredible work on our car service, receiving the “Most Appreciations Award 2023/24” from our patient experience team. In 2023/24 he received an incredible 39 appreciations from patients whose lives he had touched.
In May, he was officially recognised for his service to the North East by being invited to the Kings Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.
When asked how he felt about winning the award, he said: “That’s the thing I struggle with! I honestly do… I do what I do because I love to do it and if you do go a little bit further it’s because I know it needs to be done. I’m chuffed to bits, very proud, especially my mum and my wife! The kids as well!”
Congratulations and thank you Jez for working as hard as you do for the patients of the North East ⭐️