The College of Paramedics is delighted to announce our new Chair Elect – Helen Hardy, following the recent election.
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“I am honoured and delighted to be voted Chair Elect of the Paramedic Council. Thank you to those who have put their trust and shown confidence in me. I am looking forward to working together with Rory and with mutual support of Congress to provide a smooth transition to undertake the important role of Chair next Spring – a time for further growth in well cultivated ground! Thank you to all involved in this process, not least any that opposed - it’s important to have discussion that leads to consensus.”
Helen joined the East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST) in 2008 as a student paramedic. Once registered she was then in the shared role of Lecturer Practitioner and Clinical Practice Supervisor for five years, moving on to join the quality improvement team at EEAST in 2021.
As a lecturer, instructor and mentor she was able to provide counsel to peers and work alongside other RCUK Advanced Life Support Instructors to promote the role of paramedics in caring for patients across the region.
As a Quality Improvement and Professional Standards Officer, she has the responsibility to network with partner organisations to cultivate new pathways, and to foster a culture of continuous innovation empowering people involved to deliver the highest quality of patient care. Her role within Professionals Standards includes working with staff and people in EEAST, as well as the College, to understand behaviours that generate risk and give some insight into staff satisfaction and explore the professional identity of paramedics.
Helen worked with the College in the role of Council Representative for the Eastern region from July 2022 until her successful candidacy for the role of Chair of the Paramedic Council, working as Chair Elect from November 2023.
Helen will begin on the 22nd November as the Chair Elect, shadowing the current Chair of Council, Rory O’Connor, for 6 months as he comes to the end of his tenure. The full role of Chair of Paramedic Council will commence at the AGM on 22nd May 2024.