Clinical Supervision

I joined the ambulance service in 2000 as a Trainee Paramedic and I qualified as a IHCD Paramedic in 2003.

I have always been passionate and dedicated to assisting with the support and development of SWAST Clinical staff, initially as a Practice Educator then as a member of the Lead Paramedic (L&D) team in BNSSG.

I currently work as an LDO (soon to be renamed Educational Lead) specialising in Clinical Supervision and Practice Education.

I am married to my wife Lisa; we have two sons and a working cocker spaniel called Milo. Together we all love to explore the great outdoors.

In 2020, I completed my BSc top up with the University of Cumbria. Whilst completing my top up; I studied a Level 6 Clinical supervision module and discovered how beneficial Clinical Supervision can be to personal wellbeing, professional practice, and Patient experience.

Clinical Supervision sessions provide a non-judgemental, confidential, and safe environment where ALL SWAST staff can discuss and reflect on work related issues.
It’s not about being Clinical or about being Supervised (unfortunately I didn’t name it!).
It is however an incredible wellbeing support tool.

I want to help other members of staff experience the benefits of Clinical Supervision for themselves by facilitating Clinical Supervision sessions.

Sasha Johnston has worked for ambulance services in the UK and the Caribbean since 2002 holding a number of different roles including, front-line EMT and lead Paramedic. She completed a PgCert in Advanced Practice and an NIHR funded Masters in Clinical Research. Her research interest is ambulance staff mental health and wellbeing, with an emphasis on organisational support and cultural change.

She is currently undertaking a part-time DPhil with the University of Oxford to explore the feasibility and acceptability of ambulance organisations providing a mandatory space at work for staff to reflect upon and discuss work-related impact and consider their wellbeing needs. Sasha is married with two children and a happily tubby cat called Timmy.

I love working for the ambulance service and have met so many extraordinary colleagues over the years. However, I do worry about how the job affects us. Not only from a physical point of view, but I know how this job can chip away at our mental wellbeing as well. I want to do all I can to make sure that we all have the support we need to stay mentally well.

After completing the Clinical Supervision university module and joining in with sessions myself, I have seen clear benefits. The sessions have helped me to understand why people make the decisions they make, I have had the opportunity to share my own experiences and on the job decisions that have sometimes kept me awake at night, and I have enjoyed spending time with colleagues in a more relaxed setting.

Its like a proper crew room conversation or meeting without the constant radio interruption or departmental agenda. I am looking forward to using the skills I have learnt to enable these supportive discussions for my colleagues.

Lizzie Ryan has worked for the ambulance services in the UK since 2005 holding a number of different roles including, Head of Education, Training Manager and Education Business Manager. She is a registered nurse and has completed a Masters degree in Education, Masters Degree in Mentorship, Masters degree in Business and Administration, a BSc in Psychology and a Level 4 in Mindfulness to name a few of her academic qualifications.

Her main interest is in supporting staff both front line and in the support services with their mental health and wellbeing, as well as delivering Clinical Supervision and Mentorship modules with Plymouth University, Award in Education & Training with OfQUAL and Mindfulness training. She is currently developing her skills in mental health support and working closely with the Well Being Hub. Lizzie is ex-army and is a gym fanatic with 4 children, 11 grandchildren and a crazy Labradoodle called Bailey.

I started to deliver Clinical Supervision modules over 16 years ago in partnership with Plymouth University, and we trained a number of our then CSO to deliver the process to staff under their remit. I am acutely aware of the impact of the front line including pre-hospital care on the ambulances, patient contact in the Clinical Hub and the pressures of the working in the support departments in the Trust. I have been with the Trust for 16 and in my time with them I have come to know and respect my paramedic colleagues both for the work that they do and the commitment they have to the provision of a first class service.

What I also recognised was the impact that their commitment can have on their own mental health and wellbeing, and that led me to develop the Clinical Supervision module and to train to be a Mindfulness Coach. With the Clinical Supervision session I can facilitate problem solving, sharing of anxieties and work and personal pressures, the exploration of clinical practice and time to reflect and talk through issues and concerns.

I love nothing more than my clients telling me at the end of the session that ‘I feel better’ and ‘I know where I am going now’. It takes more strength to admit you need help than it does to cope with stressors in your life on your own…..

As a paramedic I believe we are privileged to be in one of the best jobs available. I recognise the current stressors and demands on us has seen a negative impact on our wellbeing. I have had my own struggles with mental health in the past and now strive to make our organisation a more supportive and understanding one. Clinical supervision is an excellent tool for that.

Historically we may have felt comfortable talking about our feelings, difficult incidents, frustrating policy, and experiences in the crew room or on standby. With recent pressures and rota changes that is rarely achievable. Clinical supervision can fill that gap and more. I know I would have loved to have talked about a difficult job in a safe and confidential space, free from judgement with a no blame ethos.

I see it as a chance to reflect and improve my practice whilst acknowledging how difficult it is to always provide the best care. I will always be happy to be that listening ear as understand how much we need it sometimes.