WEST Midlands Ambulance Service’s deputy chief executive, Diane Scott, has told of her delight at being named in the New Year’s Honours List as one of only two England-based recipients of the Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal.

The QAM ensures the dedication of ambulance staff has the same level of Royal recognition as other members of the emergency services.

Diane, based at the ambulance service’s Brierley Hill headquarters, is an executive director of the Trust Board and is responsible for the corporate and clinical directorates.

She is also a Health and Care Professions Council registered paramedic.

Diane, who started her career more than 30 years ago with Hampshire Ambulance Service in 1985, said she was “immensely proud and honoured” to receive the award and she added: “It is a great privilege and the QAM represents the pinnacle of my ambulance career.

“I have been proud to work for, and with, many good people at all levels throughout the ambulance service and the NHS, including many skilled and compassionate colleagues who provide excellent care on a daily basis to patients and the public.

“Whilst I have been fortunate to receive the award, it would not have happened without the hard work and support of my colleagues from within the ambulance service to whom I am extremely grateful.”