KNUTSFORD has been identified as a prime location for a new North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust (NWAS) initiative aimed at improving services and engagement with communities.

The first of its kind in the UK, the NWAS has developed a new Advanced Community Paramedic (ACP) role, individual clinicians who will work more closely with communities it serves and help deliver more locally co-designed models of care.

The introduction of the ACP role will provide a stable central role within the community to add additional capacity as a 999 responder and to build relationships with patients, the public and other provider organisations.

The purpose of the role is to improve the community infrastructure and to provide safe care closer to home.

The ACPs will be co-located with a local primary or community care facility such as a GP practice, health centre or community hospital and will remain in the community on a permanent basis.

Knutsford is one of 12 communities within the North West region to be identified for the scheme. The trust is in the process of recruiting for the role and it is expected that Knutsford’s ACP will begin work in the community from March this year.

Derek Cartwright, director of operations at NWAS, said: “The trust recognised a need within some of the regions most isolated and busier areas for a dedicated clinician to forge proactive and positive relationships within communities.

“As an innovative new role, the Advanced Community Paramedics will become a familiar face in the area they are based; focusing on meeting the needs of patients and assisting in the strengthening of community services with local businesses, services, and councils.

“We will monitor the progress of the roles closely over the coming months and we are sure they will be a great asset to the trust and most of all, to our patients.”

The role will support and develop existing schemes including Community First Responders.