North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

NEAS is the worst employer I’ve ever worked for. It’s one of those organisations where it’s if your face fits. I’ve never been treated so badly in a job before. It one rule for one and then another rule for the popular ones. For example. We’re supposed to have our criminal records checked because we work with vulnerable patients but some have had a blind eye turned to their criminal pasts, especially if you’re a gym owner or an ex MMA fighter for example. Everybody knows whos a criminal but because of being well known they think it makes them look good As an employer so they turn a blind eye. If I had been found guilty of fraud, violence or threats then I wouldn’t be allowed to work in the ambulance anymore. The same kind of staff who are only healthcare assistants (ECAs) are allowed to pretend to patients that they are doctors (medics) and patients over disclose as a result of this. Management and HR are aware of the bending the truth of job roles and miss representing themselves to members of the public as it has been reported many times but again they turn a blind eye even though evidence is available.

It makes those of us who are paramedics feel undervalued. We go to university for years to earn a degree and it feels pointless when those who work under us are able to pretend to be our equals or superiors. It shouldn’t matter what somebody has done previously, they shouldn’t be allowed to lie and be dishonest just because of who they are.

I’m sick of being bullied and undervalued. Why are we not all treated by the same rules. My advice if you want to make a difference to people’s lives is to work as a nurse in the hospital because the ambulance service won’t value you or treat you well at all.

Pros

Getting to save lives

Cons

Working alongside convicted criminals who are MMA fighters and being frightened

Absolutely joke and waste of time. Bully management that have no idea about the job, spending most of time behind desk. No work/life balance, “NOT family friendly” but claim to be. Ridiculous shift pattern like 4nights day off 4 days, do not expect finish on time. Salary for newly qualified paramedic “section 2” on same level with store cashier. Guidelines regard covid 19 changes every day, employee’s left with poor or no protection. And much much more. Absolutely terrible company to work for. AVOID AVOID AVOID!!

Pros

Salary on time

Cons

Everything

You don’t get paid enough money to deal with what you have to deal with. Patients can be rude and hurtful. Management aren’t any help unless it can benefit them. Long hours, short breaks.

Pros

Blue light card (although you have to pay for it)

Cons

Everything

I have worked for the NHS for many years and this is by far the worst place I have ever worked. Management do not listen to staff concerns, bullying prevails in this Trust. Don’t bother trying to speak up – no one cares enough to listen.

It seems that Trust values do not apply to management. Time and time again the feelings of staff are ignored and disregarded.

A horrible place to work, avoid at all costs.

Pros

None

Cons

Bullying culture

Terrible management who dont care about the staff. Zero support. Staff sent to work in covid outbreak zones and then returned to their own workplace the following day….and they wonder why the outbreak spread? Have to work every bank holiday, Christmas and New year’s Eve. Zero effort to appropriately train staff will mean you’re often left unsure what to do with your patient. And the very real possibility of killing them if you make a mistake. 300 calls waiting to be answered every weekend on the 111 line. Extremely stressful pressured environment where you’re treated horrendously. Don’t do it to yourself.

Pros

Blue light card

Cons

Stressful, no support, terrible management, you’re also guaranteed to catch covid and bring it home to your family