30th December 2024
Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Chief Executive, Michael Bloomfield has been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours List for 2025. Mr Bloomfield receives the Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to Health and Social Care.
Michael has 37 years’ experience working in the public sector. He joined the Civil Service in 1987, moving to the Department of Health in 1998 where he held several posts including in HR, Public Health policy and Secondary Care policy.
In 2007, he was appointed Head of Performance Management in the Service Delivery Unit, before joining the Health and Social Care Board as Assistant Director of Performance Management when it was established in 2009.
Michael was appointed Head of Corporate Services in the Board in March 2011 and in November 2012, also took on the role of Acting Director of Performance Management and Service Improvement. In November 2016, he was appointed HSCB Deputy Chief Executive.
He was appointed as Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service in March 2018 and has been transformative, leading NIAS to excel in service delivery through the establishment of best practice in NI.
Always keen to improve patient care provided by ambulance staff, Michael has consistently promoted the profile of the Paramedic Profession within NI and worked collaboratively with DoH to introduce a 3rd level Paramedic Degree course which, as a result of improved education and training, will bring the standard of pre-hospital care provided to patients to new heights.
He has always been aware that the standard of patient care is best provided by staff who feel valued and cared for and has always championed the importance of staff health and well-being, evidenced by the establishment of full-time peer support function for staff who deliver on the frontline of the health service.
Michael, in his tenure as Chair of the NI Confederation for HSC (2020-2024), was always focussed in promoting effective collaboration across the HSC and partner organisations, and ensuring NI’s representation in national health policy forums, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Michael chaired the NI Cancer Network from 2018-2022 and continues to chair the Major Trauma Network. His leadership in these areas demonstrates his dedication to clinical excellence and patient-focused care. His involvement with the HEMS and Community First Responders schemes, showcase his commitment to advancing emergency care across NI and promoting support within the community.
Michael, on hearing of his nomination, reflected on the many dedicated and committed colleagues who have inspired him to do what he can to ensure that patients, at their time of need, receive the best that HSC has to offer in Northern Ireland:
“It is a great honour to receive this award which is a recognition of the commitment of so many people I have worked with, in a range of roles, over many years. The delivery of Health and Social Care requires the contribution of a wide range of teams and collaboration with partner organisations, and I am fortunate to have worked with many dedicated individuals and teams over the years. I would pay particular tribute to my team in the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, who provide amazing care in the most challenging circumstances, and who it has been my privilege to lead over the past seven years.”
The Chair of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Michele Larmour, congratulated Michael on his award, saying;
“Michael has committed his whole career to public service, and I congratulate him on this, well deserved, award.
His extensive contributions, from enhancing healthcare delivery, to advocating for NI’s interests on national platforms, and his exceptional leadership during critical times set him out as a leader worthy of recognition.
His work not only reflects his dedication to healthcare improvement, as evidenced by the transformation of NIAS over very challenging years, but also establishes him as a role model who inspires other leaders within the sector, with whom he works collaboratively for the betterment of patients.”