AMBULANCE and union chiefs say they are "delighted" to be included in the pay modernisation programme. They expressed delight as the East Anglian Ambulance NHS Trust was named as an early implementer of the Agenda for Change pay modernisation programme.

AMBULANCE and union chiefs say they are "delighted" to be included in the pay modernisation programme.

They expressed delight as the East Anglian Ambulance NHS Trust was named as an early implementer of the Agenda for Change pay modernisation programme.

A job evaluation process for all staff, including paramedics, could take place as early as April.

Chief executive of the EAAT, Dr Chris Carney, said it would reward frontline staff for the modernisation of the service they have enthusiastically taken forward over the past two to three years.

"Paramedics were widely introduced in the 1980s, when their skills at the time were a small extension of what they had previously undertaken," he added.

"Since then their role and responsibilities have expanded hugely, providing a range of patient treatments including the administration of 24 drugs, compared with the original three.

"They are currently extending into the administration of clot-busting drugs for heart attack victims and are well-trained in advanced trauma, paediatric and cardiac skills. A number have also had to take on additional skills to decontaminate patients in major emergencies.

"There has also been an incessant rise in the number of emergency calls in recent years that demand their specific skills."

Eric Miller, Unison branch secretary, added: "We are delighted that Agenda for Change has finally been completed. We have yet to completely unravel the full implications of the 'package', but this process has been an elusive, but joint, goal for many years."

He said there was still reform to be done, but that: "Ambulance staff can now see after 25 years a pay structure to reflect their professional position. That in itself is a considerable morale boost.

"The principles of a national transparent job evaluation process is the only way towards a system that is felt fair and acceptable to all. It was for that reason that we had no hesitation in applying to be an early implementer and we are pleased to hear that has been accepted."