Association of Ambulance Chief Executives outlines strategic priorities for 2015/16

Paramedic prescribing and reform of paramedic education and training with Health Education England are among the key strategic priorities of the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) for 2015/16.

The AACE National Programme, which is comprised of nine national groups and their respective 2015/16 work plans, as well as a number of other projects that are being progressed by the AACE with input from the national groups as required, is informed by its four strategic objectives: Ambulance Service: 2020 and beyond; Workforce, education and development; Operating model and efficiency; Clinical and patient safety.

The AACE aims to report on its ‘Ambulance service: 2020 and beyond’ project in May/June with an informed vision of what the ambulance service should look like beyond 2020 and suggestions to the ambulance sector on the steps and actions required to realise this vision.

Implementation of the Urgent and Emergency Care Review (U&ECR) will be an ongoing focus for the AACE in 2015/16, and will include the enhancement of NHS 111 services and reform of paramedic education and training with Health Education England.

Continued support and input will continue to the reform of paramedic education and training, with paramedic prescribing remaining a priority for the AACE to equip the profession for the ongoing expansion and diversification of the role.

The identification and development of future ambulance leaders is also a priority of the AACE, with focus being made on leadership development and consideration of a virtual academy and its potential for multidisciplinary training.

Ambulance service response will remain a focus for the AACE in 2015/16, and will include the development of future performance and clinical measures in light of the U&ECR, and the facilitation of any required changes to response protocol nationally following the completion of pilots in early 2015/16.

Finally, the AACE plans to deliver the National Ambulance Service Medical Directors’ Group’s Future National Clinical Priorities for Ambulance Services in England. Key clinical areas of focus include: emergency care; urgent care; mental health; the frail, elderly falls and dementia; long-term conditions; end of life patients; and public health and prevention.

To view the full list of strategic priorities, visit: http://aace.org.uk/national-programme/

Taken from Journal of Paramedic Practice, published 30 April 2015.