Hannah Harrison, a Specialist Paramedic at Isle of Wight Ambulance Service (IWAS) has received a national award from the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) for her exceptional leadership and drive to improve learning and awareness of the urgent care specialist paramedic team.
The awards were presented at AACE’s Ambulance Leadership Forum (ALF) in March 2025 where ambulance services across the country came together to celebrate individuals for outstanding service or exceptional contribution.
Hannah joined the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner in 2022 and due to her diverse skill set, took on the role of Specialist Practice Lead in 2023 where she was able to identify ways the team could further promote innovation.
Hannah said,
“I was a little bit overwhelmed when I found out that I had not only been nominated but won the award. I am so grateful for the recognition of my team and proud of the work we do.”
The Urgent Care Specialist Paramedics team
There are nine people in the Urgent Care Specialist Paramedics team helping ensure people get the urgent support they need, often without having to come into hospital. Due to their background, the team are also able to support with additional clinical skills such as point of care blood testing, advanced wound closure, and providing acute medication as needed.
They also respond to life-threatening emergencies when they are the closest resource to the individual requiring help.
Spearheaded development of the team
Hannah was nominated for spearheading the development of the team and their educational pathways, as well as helping expand the role of specialist paramedics across the Isle of Wight. One of her proudest achievements has been the introduction of a formal education pathway that helps the team to progress through their Advanced Clinical Practitioner Master’s degree.
This has allowed the service to pioneer Advanced Clinical Practice within an urgent care setting and is something they hope to be able to help other ambulance services progress following their success.
Harrison: We respect the vast experience and expertise of each other
Hannah added,
“What really drives the team forward is that we respect the vast experience and expertise of each other and ensure that everyone is heard and able to use their strengths.
“I am incredibly lucky to lead such a kind, caring and proactive team who share the same visions for our patients. I would struggle to do my role without the exceptional team I have the privilege of working with.”
White: An exceptional leader
Victoria White, Director of Ambulance Service, Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, said,
“Hannah is an exceptional leader and truly deserves this award.
“She puts our patients and her team at the forefront of what she does, and I’m so pleased that her commitment has been recognised in this way.”
News shared by Isle of Wight NHS Trust, in their own words. Ed
