Sal Zahid-Saunders

As the BT Account Lead for NHS Ambulance Trusts, Sal works closely with emergency services across the UK to enhance operational efficiency and improve patient care through tailored communication and digital solutions. She is passionate about using technology to support frontline services—whether it’s reducing repeat emergency calls or helping implement automated messaging systems that streamline patient response.

Alongside her professional work, she volunteers as a Patient Panel Chair focused on mental health with SCAS. This role allows her to advocate for patients with lived experience, ensuring our voices shape how mental health care is designed and delivered in urgent settings. It’s a responsibility she values deeply, as it brings together compassion, collaboration, and the opportunity to push for meaningful change in how we approach mental health in emergency care.

In her volunteer role with SCAS, she has had the opportunity to represent the patient perspective and contribute to shaping how the service can better meet their needs.

During observation shifts and call listening sessions, we have identified key barriers to service access, as well as areas for improvement in training and triage procedures. These findings are being actively incorporated into the current review of the clinical mental health strategy.

“I Volunteer for SCAS to support my local community. It helps me to get to know the service which is both eye-opening and deeply rewarding.”