East Midlands Ambulance Service NEPTS – Supporting patients to access healthcare
The Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service (NEPTS) at East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EMAS) employs individuals who are dedicated to supporting vulnerable people to access healthcare services. The service provides transportation and care for eligible patients in Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.
NEPTS employs over 400 staff. As a team, they complete around 20,000 journeys per month.* The fleet of 120 vehicles is specially equipped to support patients with mobility needs and includes dementia-friendly features.
Serving the community
Simon Gould joined the Army Reserve (formerly Territorial Army) in 1993, Serving as a Reservist for 29 years. As a Movement Controller, he attained the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1. He balanced a variety of jobs (including a 10-year career with Greater Manchester Police) with his commitment to the Army, until he was discharged in 2022.
Now a member of the NEPTS team in Lincolnshire, patient care assistant, Simon, drives and provides care for patients who need specialist support to attend medical appointments. He ensures that each patient feels safe and supported, according to their personal and clinical needs.
“I joined EMAS as a patient care assistant because it’s a uniformed public service with a clear purpose, rank structure and opportunities to progress. The job requires focus and discipline, and I also get to travel around the county and meet patients from all walks of life.
Without us, many patients would struggle to access medical appointments or get the treatment they need to recover from serious illness. Some people have a lot of anxiety about attending hospital, but we help them to feel at ease. I know my job is hugely worthwhile and I make a difference to people’s lives every day.”
EMAS is a Veteran Aware organisation and accredited with a Silver Award from the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. We employ many Reservists and are committed to supporting their annual training commitment.
Ensuring safe and effective care
EMAS employs individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. One thing unites them all – a dedication to delivering high-quality patient care.
NEPTS ambulance controller, Lucy Hart, coordinates the safe and effective transportation of patients in Derbyshire and Northamptonshire.
“I joined EMAS because I wanted to make a difference to people’s lives. Our service regularly transports patients to appointments for life-saving treatments such as renal dialysis, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Our team works in a fast-paced control room. We coordinate 164 crews and around 1,500 patients per day. Although many patient journeys are pre-planned, every day poses different challenges. It’s like a giant jigsaw puzzle and you’re trying to find a place for each patient.”
* NEPTS completed 303,331 patient journeys during 2022/2023.
Join Team EMAS
EMAS employs over 4,300 staff across the East Midlands. Our services are supported by over 1,550 volunteers. Together, we provide urgent and emergency care that saves lives.
Latest vacancies: www.emas.nhs.uk/armed-forces
EMAS Armed Forces recruitment enquires: Kevin.Thorne@emas.nhs.uk
