Looking to the future, with East Midlands Ambulance Service
Karen Tomlinson is the current chair of East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EMAS). Following a 45-year career in the NHS, her term as chair comes to an end in July 2024. Before departing, Karen shares her encouragement for Armed Forces personnel who may be considering a future career in the NHS.
“During my 45 years serving the NHS, I have been lucky enough to work with many Veterans and Reservists who brought their immeasurable skills to our service. As I come to the end of my term as chair of EMAS and reflect on these experiences, I remain resolute in my support of Military personnel resettling via the NHS workforce.
I’ve seen first-hand the close alignment between the values and ethics of the Armed Forces and the ambulance service. The nationwide response to the Covid-19 pandemic brought this to the fore. While leading the North Nottinghamshire Covid Programme from the frontline in 2020-2021, I saw members of the Armed Forces and NHS standing shoulder to shoulder to support patients, hospitals, urgent and emergency care, and safely deliver the country’s vaccination and testing programmes.
Since the pandemic, EMAS has seen an increase in applications from Military personnel who want to continue to develop their career with the ambulance service. New staff who have joined us from the Forces often talk about the similarities: we both have a highly skilled workforce with a clear rank and structure, we’re dedicated to providing a first-class public service and our work requires discipline, integrity and intent.
At EMAS, we recognise the close alignment of the Armed Forces and the ambulance service. That’s why we’re proud to offer a guaranteed interview scheme to individuals with a Military service history.*
However, we know it’s not just about getting you on board; we have a responsibility to nurture you and support you to develop. Looking after our staff is key to a resilient workforce – and the more compassion we show our staff, the more they will be able to give to their patient duties.
After four decades of service, the NHS is very much a part of me. As I look to the future, I know the confidence it takes to leave everything you know and transition into a new environment. If you’re looking for a career that continues to serve our communities, I urge you to explore your future in the ambulance service.”
Join Team EMAS
East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust employs over 4,300 staff across the region. Our services are supported by over 1,550 volunteers. Together, we provide urgent and emergency care that saves lives.
* We offer a guaranteed interview scheme to Veterans, Service-leavers and Reservists who meet the essential criteria in the job specification and are successful at the initial screening stage.
Latest vacancies: www.emas.nhs.uk/armed-forces
EMAS Armed Forces recruitment enquiries: Kevin.Thorne@emas.nhs.uk
