New EEAST ambulances honour service and sacrifice of veterans

EEAST CEO Neill Moloney in front of a Remembrance Ambulance at Longwater Ambulance Station, with (L-R) Kyle Hampshire-Smith, Head of Clinical Operations for Norfolk and Waveney; Nick Smith, Local Area Manager for Central Norfolk; and Lewis Smith, Deputy Local Area Manager.
EEAST CEO Neill Moloney in front of a Remembrance Ambulance at Longwater Ambulance Station, with (L-R) Kyle Hampshire-Smith, Head of Clinical Operations for Norfolk and Waveney; Nick Smith, Local Area Manager for Central Norfolk; and Lewis Smith, Deputy Local Area Manager. Image: EEAST

The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) has unveiled six specially designed “Remembrance Ambulances” to mark Armistice Day, paying tribute to the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces.

The new MAN ambulances, featuring poppy-themed designs, entered service this week and can be seen on roads across the region.

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Each vehicle will rotate between the Trust’s operational hubs, giving staff across the East of England the opportunity to work with them and reflect on their significance.

A visible tribute

The project was led by Terry Hicks, EEAST’s Deputy Director for Emergency Operations Centres and the Trust’s Armed Forces Champion, with support from fleet teams across the region.

Terry said: “As a Trust, it’s important that we recognise and respect the sacrifices made in conflicts around the world – both within our communities and among our staff.

“The Remembrance Ambulances are a visible demonstration of our commitment to supporting armed forces communities inside and outside of the organisation.

“This kind of recognition can make a real difference to someone who may be struggling, helping them feel safe to speak up and seek support.”

Remembering and supporting those who served

EEAST Chief Executive Neill Moloney said: “We are proud to honour the service and sacrifice of our armed forces through this initiative.

“The Remembrance Ambulances are a powerful symbol of our respect and gratitude, and they reflect the values of compassion and community that underpin everything we do at EEAST.

“I hope these vehicles serve as a meaningful reminder to both our staff and the public of the importance of remembrance and support for those who have served.”

In addition to the six commemorative vehicles, poppy decals are being added to the wider EEAST fleet during November to mark the occasion.

EEAST is a Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme and has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, reaffirming its commitment to treating veterans, serving personnel and their families with fairness, dignity and respect.

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