Michael Andrews
Michael is the Chief Executive Officer of St John Ambulance in Solomon Islands, providing the statutory ambulance service on behalf of the government. He is actively collaborating with development partners to realise a vision for a National Ambulance Service, connecting the 900 islands of Solomon Islands by phone, road, and sea.
Previously, Michael worked with St John Ambulance in Papua New Guinea during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on utilising digital and data to enhance outcomes and highlight St John’s impact to partners. In addition to his work in the Pacific Islands, Michael is a Director of St John Ambulance Queensland and works on the road with the Queensland Ambulance Service when back home.
Michael is a Member of the Order of St John and has been named a McKinsey & Company Emerging Leader and one of the IMPACT 25 Most Influential People in the Social Sector.
Presentation Title and Overview: Rebuilding an Ambulance Service from the Ground Up: The Solomon Islands Experience
In 2023, St John Ambulance Solomon Islands embarked on a transformative journey to rebuild the ambulance service, ensuring all people in Solomon Islands receive quality, equitable emergency medical services, whether in the busiest city or the remotest village.
Facing significant challenges, including limited resources, poor coordination of government health services, and outdated infrastructure across its vast archipelago of over 900 islands, the organisation sought innovative solutions.
A major catalyst for this transformation was the preparation for the Pacific Games, the largest event in the nation’s history. This high-profile event spurred accelerated improvements and fostered collaborations with international ambulance services, including Hato Hone St John.
Breaking free from legacy systems and traditional notions of ambulance services, the revitalisation effort provided a blank canvas to build a modern ambulance service that puts people and patients at its core. The new approach aims to deliver better access, greater quality, and reduced costs, driving a more effective and efficient emergency medical service across Solomon Islands.