Eastbourne man receives MBE for his work in the Covid pandemic

Joe Garcia, the director of operations for the South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb), has received an MBE for his service and commitment over his 36 years in the ambulance service.

According to SECAmb, Mr Garcia has been ‘instrumental in the trust’s operational response to the coronavirus pandemic and also in SECAmb’s much-improved Care Quality Commission rating’.

He receives the MBE particularly for his leadership during the pandemic.

Mr Garcia, who is due to retire in spring, said, “I am delighted and humbled to have been recognised for the service I have been able to offer to my colleagues in what we have referred to as Team SECAmb during this pandemic.

“My colleagues throughout all quarters of the trust are doing an amazing job under very difficult conditions.

“I am also very proud of my operational leadership team.

“Every one of them has worked tirelessly to improve the standards for both our patients and staff in SECAmb. It has been a great honour to be able to say I was part of this team.”

Mr Garcia was among three staff members from SECAmb to be given an MBE - Bethan Eaton-Haskins from Sevenoaks in Kent, and Peter Glover from Frimley in Surrey were also recognised on the honours list.

SECAmb chief officer Philip Astle, said, “I am really pleased that Joe, Bethan and Peter have been recognised in this year’s New Year’s Honours.

“Their inclusion is testament to the dedication and commitment they have shown to serving their communities and helping others over many years.

“It is also particularly fitting that in this year, when the ambulance service has been at the forefront of responding to the pandemic, we have three members of staff on the list.

“Every hour of every day ambulance staff are doing amazing work to keep people safe. Joe, Bethan and Peter all agree that their honours should be seen as a recognition of the excellence of all those associated with the South East Coast Ambulance Service.”