Our Clinical Assessment Hub plays an important role in supporting patients to receive the right care.
Integrated within our Emergency Operations Centres in Nottingham and Lincoln, the Clinical Assessment Hub is staffed by Clinical Advisors - registered clinicians, including nurses, paramedics, and mental health nurses.
Clinical Advisors can provide tailored clinical support for patients who call 999. They can perform focused clinical assessments, refer to appropriate services, and arrange follow-up care. Often this means that patients can receive care in the community or at home without the need for an ambulance or visiting A&E.
Watch: Beth Taylor, Clinical Commander, explains the role of Clinical Advisors, how they support patients to access appropriate care, and her experience of working within the team.
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Four Clinical Advisors have shared their experiences of moving to the ambulance service, and how they use their clinical skills to support patients in need of urgent or emergency care.
“In my role, every day presents unique challenges. The dynamic nature of our work allows us to truly connect with our patients, guiding them to the appropriate care they need. I appreciate the opportunity to be a vital part of their journey and to contribute positively to their experiences.
I am grateful for the flexible shifts and rotas that have seamlessly integrated into my family life as a single mother. The adjustments made when I first started have continued to accommodate my needs, allowing me to thrive both personally and professionally. Unlike traditional 12-hour shifts, our schedule includes a variety of time slots for nurses and paramedics, making it easier to balance work and family commitments.
The training and support I have received have been nothing short of exceptional. This environment encourages learning and growth. In alignment with the NMC Code of Conduct, I have participated in comprehensive training that ensures my skills are always up to date."
Cyndrella Mlalazi - Clinical Advisor and Registered Nurse
"I qualified as a Registered Nurse in 2008 and spent the first decade of my career working in Lincoln’s Accident and Emergency department. After ten years I felt the need for a new challenge but still had a passion for emergency care. That’s when I discovered that EMAS were recruiting nurses for the Clinical Assessment Hub. I’ve been a member of the team for seven years now.
As a Clinical Advisor, I conduct a remote telephone or video assessment of patients’ health and clinical needs to ensure they receive the most appropriate care. Whether it entails an ambulance, utilising alternative community services, assisting crews on-scene, or providing self-care advice, the appropriateness of an emergency ambulance may vary depending on the specific circumstances. Over the years, I’ve dealt with a wide variety of 999 calls, and no two days are ever the same.
Currently, I am pursuing my Master’s degree and have recently been involved in the inaugural cohort of Professional Nurse Advocates for EMAS."
Amy Henderson - Clinical Advisor and Registered Nurse
"I qualified as a paramedic in 2019, and worked for four years with patients on the frontline. I applied for the Clinical Advisor role in 2023 because it was something different and I could see potential for me to progress.
I love that we create better journeys for patients by referring them to other services that are more appropriate for them. By doing that, we're reducing the number of ambulances being sent, so they're there for patients who really desperately need them.
A big part of my role is offering reassurance and advice to patients. After assessing their condition, I might recommend self-care, consulting their GP, or connecting with NHS community services. I can use Clinical Assessment Services (CAS), staffed by nurses and doctors in the community, who can prescribe medications for urgent health conditions. For example, antibiotics for infections. This ensures our patients receive timely treatment without adding pressure to our frontline crews or local emergency departments."
Beth Taylor - Clinical Commander (secondment) / Clinical Advisor (substantive) and Registered Paramedic
"As a nurse, I have always joined the patient’s journey partway through, at the hospital. As a Clinical Advisor, I now have the opportunity to be involved from the very beginning.
I use my knowledge and experience to help ensure the best possible outcomes for patients by using the various resources and pathways available. I also have the privilege of working alongside clinicians from diverse backgrounds, each bringing valuable experience and always willing to offer support when needed."
Tsungirai Munyaradzi - Clinical Advisor and Registered Nurse
