A Swindon ambulance worker has spoken out after a ‘struggling’ colleague admitted using drugs amid an urgent investigation.
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) launched a probe after a Great Western Hospital nurse raised serious concerns in October.
Four ambulance staff members were suspended from duty for an “immediate case review” – with one female medic later confessing to having used the Class A drug cocaine.
“During the investigation, one colleague was identified as requiring additional support, and as part of the Trust’s commitment to supporting colleagues with mental and physical wellbeing challenges, we continue to offer them all the help and support they need”, a SWASFT spokesperson said.
Adding: “The remaining colleagues were deemed fit to resume their duties.
“The health and safety of our people and patients is our utmost priority, and any allegations of misuse of drugs or alcohol by Trust employees is treated with the greatest priority and seriousness.”
An ambulance worker, who wishes to remain anonymous, told Wiltshire 999s that the recent bad press concerning a number of individuals is affecting morale.
In September alone, two stories about the arrests of three SWASFT in two separate investigations were published. Two workers were arrested for manslaughter, while another was arrested for stalking and threats to kill.
The media said: ‘One person has admitted to illicit drug use, she is getting help and support.
‘The other three who were questioned were guilty by association, but are not drug users.
‘Collectively as a station we do not condone said person’s actions and don’t wish to be tarred with the same brush.
‘The person in question has a lot of mental health issues. At no time were any patients, members of public or colleagues put at risk.
‘we have had to defend ourselves a lot recently & we’re working so hard with poor morale. This is killing us.’
The worker said that in SWASFT, there have been a number of suspected suicides over the past year – including a male paramedic from Chippenham and another locally last month.
‘We have lost four local colleagues to suicide in 12 months’, they added.
‘We are all so vulnerable to mental health problems, our support system is failing us.
‘There is more focus on response times than our wellbeing and it’s taking its toll.
‘Paramedics are burning out and leaving the service on average after four years. Gone are the days of “a job for life”.’
