Celebrating Nurses' Day

Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) showcased the incredible work of its nursing staff and the difference they make to patients’ lives across Yorkshire on Nurses' Day (Monday 12 May 2025).

The Trust has around 200 registered nurses who work in a variety of roles, from directors and non-executive directors to senior clinical advisors on the frontline. Most of the nurses work in its NHS 111 service.

The flagship event was a Nursing Leadership Conference in Leeds which was attended by around 100 ambulance service staff. 

Chief Nursing Officer for England, Duncan Burton, addressed the conference via MS Teams. He said: “Nurses working in ambulance services are leading innovation, driving improvements and delivering solutions. Their role in helping to care for patients in their own homes, reducing unnecessary admissions and pressures on hospitals, is a key priority for the NHS.

“Thank you to all of our nurses working in ambulance services, and to all nurses on Nurses' Day, for your unique expertise and skills and for the difference you make to patient care every single minute of every single day.”

Nurses’ Day is a chance to celebrate the impact nurses have on patient care, as well as an opportunity to say thank you.

Clare Ashby, Deputy Director of Quality and Nursing for Yorkshire Ambulance Service, explained how nursing in the ambulance sector was playing an increasingly vital role in the transformation of urgent and emergency care. 

She said: “Nurses bring a unique set of clinical skills that complement those of paramedics, offering holistic, patient-centred care particularly for complex cases involving long-term conditions, mental health, and end-of-life care. Their presence supports NHS goals to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and strengthen care in the community.”

YAS is investing in the development and support of nursing. One key initiative is the provision of the Professional Nurse Advocate (PNA) programme, which equips nurses with skills in restorative supervision. This fosters a culture of wellbeing, reflective practice and professional growth across clinical teams operating in high-pressure environments.

In addition, the Trust has successfully recruited international nurses who bring valuable global perspectives and experience. These colleagues undergo tailored onboarding programmes to ensure a smooth transition into UK practice and ambulance-specific roles.

Nurses are also contributing to innovation in remote and digital care. The Trust currently has a registered nurse working in its Remote Care Department, delivering clinical oversight for virtual triage and supporting the delivery of safe, effective care through digital platforms. This role is critical in ensuring patients receive timely and appropriate support, often avoiding unnecessary ambulance dispatch or emergency department attendance.

Looking ahead, there is significant opportunity to expand the role of nurses within the ambulance service. Areas such as urgent community response, frailty care and mental health support stand to benefit from enhanced nursing input.

Clare Ashby added: "Continued investment in education, advanced clinical practice pathways, and a clearly defined career structure will help position the ambulance sector as an attractive and sustainable career destination for nurses. Nursing in this setting is essential to delivering responsive, integrated care in line with the NHS Long Term Plan."