Across EMED, Safe Care continues to go from strength to strength.
Over the past year, the division has expanded its footprint, mobilised new contracts, welcomed new colleagues and strengthened services for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. Behind that growth is a team of passionate, experienced professionals committed to delivering safe, compassionate and responsive care every day.
At the heart of Safe Care is a simple belief: every person comes first, and every journey matters.
That belief underpins the division’s vision to be the provider of choice for service user transport, delivering safe, compassionate journeys that empower people through every stage of care. It is a vision that places dignity, respect and person-centred support at the centre of everything we do.
One of the people helping to bring that vision to life is Stuart Fletcher, whose journey with EMED reflects both the opportunities within the organisation and the exciting future ahead for Safe Care.
Stuart joined EMED in 2014 as an Ambulance Care Assistant within Patient Care. At the time, he was running his own business and looking for a rewarding role alongside his existing commitments. What began as a part-time opportunity quickly became a career.
Over the following years, Stuart progressed through a number of operational leadership roles including Dispatcher, Controller, Fleet Manager and Team Leader before achieving his goal of becoming Operations Manager for Leeds Patient Care.
When an opportunity arose to join Safe Care as Regional Operations Manager for the North of England, Stuart embraced a new challenge.
Since then, he has played a key role in expanding Safe Care’s presence across the region, bringing four bases under the Safe Care umbrella in Leeds, Durham, Blyth and Carlisle, mobilising three new contracts and supporting a growing portfolio of ad hoc work.
More recently, Stuart has helped develop and mentor the next generation of operational leaders across the North East, creating a strong and sustainable management structure that continues to thrive. With those teams now firmly established, he has returned his focus to Leeds and is increasingly supporting the commercial growth and development of the division.
Reflecting on his journey, Stuart says:
“I’ve always enjoyed a challenge and Safe Care has certainly provided plenty of those. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the service grow, support new contract mobilisations and help develop talented people across the business. What excites me most now is the future and the opportunities we have to continue growing Safe Care across the UK.”
That sense of ambition is shared across the division.
Whether attending sector conferences, sharing expertise across contracts, developing new services or supporting successful mobilisations, Safe Care colleagues continue to demonstrate the professionalism, flexibility and dedication that define EMED.
The division’s mission is built around supporting the people who represent EMED every day. Their commitment to treating every service user with kindness, dignity and respect is what sets Safe Care apart, helping to minimise incidents, reduce the use of restrictive practices and ensure every journey is as safe and comfortable as possible.
As Safe Care continues to grow, it is the experience, passion and commitment of colleagues like Stuart that will help shape its future.
We’re excited to see what comes next.
