LAS Appoints New Director Of Strategy And Transformation

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London Ambulance Service has appointed Roger Davidson as its new Director of Strategy and Transformation.

Roger will join the Service on Monday 31 January from NHS England, where he is currently Director of System Partnerships, working to join up health and care and improve population health through development of integrated care systems (ICSs) across England.

In his new leadership role at LAS, he will focus on developing a strategic vision for London Ambulance Service to build beyond the existing organisational strategy which comes to an end in 2023.

In his most recent position at NHS England, Roger has played a national leadership role in the development of the 42 ICSs, which now cover the whole of England and are set to be put on a statutory footing next year.

Roger Davidson,
Director of Strategy and Transformation,
LAS

Since the start of 2016, he has worked with health and care leaders across the country on system transformation strategy and policy, system leadership development, clinical and professional leadership, local government and voluntary sector partnerships, public involvement, communications and stakeholder relationships.

Prior to this, Roger was Director of Communications and Head of Media and Public Affairs at NHS England.

In 2013, he helped to establish the newly-independent organisation and then to set a new strategic direction for the NHS focussed on integrated care through the NHS Five Year Forward View.

Earlier in his career, Roger also held senior communications and public affairs roles at organisations including the NHS Confederation, the Care Quality Commission and the Confederation of British Industry.

He is also a Trustee at the English Football League (EFL) Trust, the charity overseeing the community organisations of the 72 EFL football clubs in England which run health and wellbeing initiatives across the country.

Speaking about his new appointment at LAS, Roger said: “As a Londoner, I am excited to be joining one of the most visible healthcare providers in the capital and making a positive difference to the lives of patients.’

“It’s a challenging time to be joining and I am looking forward to working with dedicated colleagues to help build the ambulance service London needs in the years ahead.”

London Ambulance Service chief executive Daniel Elkeles said: “While we continue to manage the unprecedented pressure created by the coronavirus pandemic, it’s essential we do not lose sight of the vital change needed to drive forward our vision for London Ambulance Service.’

“Roger brings a wealth of experience of strategy, public affairs and transformational change and I’m delighted to welcome him to the team.”

London’s Air Ambulance Launches Extra Team To Reach More Critically-Injured Patients During Winter Months

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For the first time in its 32-year history, London’s Air Ambulance is now operating with two duty teams on call for London this winter.

Beginning in December, an additional medical team will support the service, responding to the most critically injured trauma patients in the capital by rapid response car. 

The extra team, known as ‘Medic 3’, will operate Monday to Saturday from 14:00 to 24:00 helping the advanced trauma teams of London’s Air Ambulance be more resilient and ultimately reach more critically injured patients and respond more quickly during the winter rush hour.

The team will consist of one senior doctor and one paramedic and the arrangement will be trialled for twelve months to analyse its impact. 

London’s Air Ambulance currently provides one advanced trauma team 24 hours per day, 365 days per year and attends around 1,700 patients each year.

The service uses a helicopter from 08:00 to sunset switching to rapid response cars at night or in adverse weather conditions.

Medic 3 Paramedic Sam Margetts and Doctor David Lockey: London’s Air Ambulance

London’s Air Ambulance expert teams can deliver complex life-saving interventions at the scene of an incident such as pre-hospital emergency anaesthesia; blood transfusion; thoracotomy (a surgical procedure which opens up the rib cage cavity to manually massage the heart) and REBOA (where a balloon is fed into the major blood vessels through an injection into the leg), all of which are known to have increased patient survival rates after traumatic injury.  

London’s Air Ambulance forms part of the blue light community alongside its partners Barts NHS Health Trust and the London Ambulance Service (LAS), working collaboratively to deliver the best possible care to all major trauma patients, and this additional resource will operate as part of this wider team. 

As winter evenings draw in the aircraft goes offline earlier, currently around 16:00, meaning the team moves to deliver the service by rapid response vehicle at this time, significantly before rush hour and leaving the service reliant on only one team operating by road for the whole of London.

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Analysis of response time data, based on a single team, demonstrates that patients more distant from central London are not always reached as quickly during this window. Alongside this, the team may already be on scene with a patient when required elsewhere which results in cancelled missions for the service.  

This has meant that London’s Air Ambulance has been unable to attend all the patients who could have benefited from their expertise and on-scene interventions.

The service estimates that in 2019, there were 195 additional patients to whom London’s Air Ambulance would have gone to, which equates to around 60 additional emergency anaesthetics, 5 thoracotomies and 18 code red patients (when a patient is bleeding to death and needs immediate intervention).

The extra team will be able to respond to these sorts of emergencies as well as providing greater resilience for the service in the event of a major incident. Currently in these instances the London Ambulance Service (LAS) will work alongside London’s Air Ambulance to ensure patients are treated as quickly as possible.

Medic 3 London’s Air Ambulance

Medical Director of London’s Air Ambulance, Dr Tom Hurst, said: “Time is precious when a life is on the line and we know that during the winter when the hours of dark overlap with peak travel times we are constrained in our response, particularly when our one team is already on scene with a patient.’

“This additional team will help us reach more critically injured patients quickly when time is of the essence.’

“London’s Air Ambulance does not stand still and is constantly striving to better the service we provide to the people of London.’

“Thanks to our partners at Barts NHS Health Trust and the London Ambulance Service and of course to our incredible supporters we’ve been able to get this extra team up and running, providing much-needed clinical support and helping ensure that, should the worst happen, London’s Air Ambulance will be there.” 

London Ambulance Service Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Medical Officer, Dr Fenella Wrigley said: “The introduction of an additional advanced trauma team this winter will be an incredibly valuable resource for the people of London.’

“The team, operated by a London Ambulance paramedic and Barts Health senior doctor, is an excellent example of collaborative working to help achieve the best possible care for trauma patients in the capital.’

“The timing of this new expansion is also very welcome as the reduction in day light hours reduces the time the aircraft can operate. As we head into a challenging winter it will help us continue to bring clinical expertise to trauma scenes to help our most seriously injured patients.”  

Alistair Chesser, Group Chief Medical Officer at Barts Health NHS Trust, said:  “The extra London Air Ambulance team is well timed coming into winter and will be a great help in ensuring the most seriously injured patients get the specialist, life-saving care they need as soon as possible, both on the scene and in hospital.’

(Left to right) Doctor David Locke, Paramedic Sam Margetts, and Driving Standards Manager Paul Smith London’s Air Ambulance

“We’re very happy to be working in collaboration with the London Ambulance Service and London Air Ambulance to allow us to reach hundreds more trauma patients.” 

London’s Air Ambulance is a charity, operating in partnership with Barts NHS Health Trust and London Ambulance Service (LAS) NHS Trust.

Barts Health NHS Trust employs and pays the doctors who will form part of the Medic 3 team and LAS provide the paramedics who will also form part of the duty team, as well as the flight paramedic situated in the control room who is responsible for dispatching London’s Air Ambulance to the most critically injured people in London, 24 hours a day. 

Since its inception London’s Air Ambulance has developed cutting-edge medical care normally only found in the hospital Emergency Department for use at the roadside. The innovations and procedures it has developed have been adopted across the world.

New Funding Available To Support Health And Social Innovation And Improvements In The West Midlands

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The West Midlands Academic Health Science Network (WMAHSN) has announced that £20,000 worth of funding is available to support the spread and adoption of medical innovations in the region. 

Following a successful launch in 2020, the West Midlands Safety Innovation and Improvement Fund has been supporting the spread or adoption of healthcare innovations which has resulted in improvements for patients across the West Midlands. 

Now once again, individuals and teams working in health and social care are invited to apply for funding of up to £20,000. 

The new round of funding will provide the successful applicants with the support they need to implement their projects over a six-to-twelve-month period. The WMAHSN will also support teams to use Quality Improvement (QI) methods, helping them to make measurable improvements to patient care.

This year, the WMAHSN is looking for applicants that focus on:

·      Managing patient/service user deterioration

·      Medicines safety 

·      Maternity and Neonatal 

·      Mental Health

·      COPD/Asthma, Other respiratory diseases

·      Care Homes

Any individual or team working in health and social care within the WMAHSN’s geographical area is able to apply. This includes:

·      Birmingham and Solihull

·      Black Country and West Birmingham

·      Coventry and Warwickshire

·      Hereford and Worcestershire

·      Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent

·      Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin 

Jodie Mazur, Head of Delivery, Safety and Improvement at the WMAHSN, said: “After the success of supporting the first cohort of teams through the Safety Innovation and Improvement Fund in 2020/21, we are delighted to be launching a second round.

“This is a great opportunity for teams from across the West Midlands region to access funds and support which will assist them in making improvements for their patients and service users.”

Louisa Davidson is a Consultant Midwife at Birmingham Women’s Hospital, which received funding in 2020 to improve a maternity service for expectant mothers. She commented: “The grant has provided us with the freedom to be innovative, explore otherwise unobtainable options, and has journeyed us to a place we weren’t expecting. 

“The funding has made us feel excited and positive for a more sustainable and impactful change to benefit women and their families in the future.”

Applications for the funding open from Thursday 9th December 2021 and close on Sunday 9th January 2021.

To find out more information about the Safety Innovation and Improvement Fund and how to apply, please visit the Guidance for Applicants page. To submit an application, please visit the application page.

For any questions about the Fund, please contact Vicky, Patient Safety Assistant Programme Manager on [email protected].

West Midlands Academic Health Science Network Awarded Prestigious Platinum Innovation Accreditation

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The West Midlands Academic Health Science Network (WMAHSN) has achieved a platinum accreditation from ideasUK, an organisation which celebrates and rewards workplace innovation. 

The WMAHSN has previously been awarded both a silver and gold accreditation from ideasUK and has now progressed to platinum, the highest possible accolade.

As part of the accreditation process, the WMAHSN was externally assessed by ideasUK and reached a platinum performance level of 90-100% in six out of the 10 criteria.

In the remaining four criteria, the WMAHSN achieved a gold performance level of 75-89%.

The accreditation programme, which started in 2006, is a way for organisations to give both internal and external prominence to their employee innovation programme.

The accreditation is an annual process, with the certification lasting one year from completion of the assessment.

Tammy Holmes, Head of Delivery (Innovation and Commercial) at the WMAHSN, said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded a platinum accreditation from ideasUK.’

“It really does mean a lot to the team to be recognised by an international, respected organisation for all our hard work, which not only provides credibility to our project but also gives us direction on how to further develop the project in the future.”

Zena Cox, Operations Director at ideasUK, added: “It is a pleasure to award the WMAHSN with their first platinum rating. In their assessment, they achieved a perfect 100% score for ‘Continuous Improvement’, having changed, developed, and updated many areas of work in the last year.’

“Whilst there is still room for development, 2021 marks a real step change in achievement — well done to the whole team!”

To find out more about the WMAHSN, please visit https://www.wmahsn.org

ASDA Offers Emergency Workers 10% Discount In Stores This Christmas

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Asda has today announced it will offer emergency workers with a Blue Light Card 10% off their shopping in stores throughout the Christmas period.

The discount is available in all Asda’s 633 stores across the UK until January 2nd 2022 and includes food and drink, George at Asda clothing and homeware, toys, gifts and optical. Blue Light Card holders can receive the discount by presenting their card at the checkout. 

The Blue Light Card is a nationally recognised scheme which provides workers in the NHS, emergency services, social care sector and the armed forces with a range of discounts. Asda has launched its Christmas discount for card holders to recognise the amazing work they do each day to keep everyone safe.

Derek Lawlor, Chief Merchandising Officer at Asda, said: “Blue Light Card holders work in difficult and dangerous situations every day of the year to provide support to people across the UK who need it the most. We wanted to recognise this and thank them for everything they do by offering a discount in our stores this Christmas.”   

Tom Dalby, CEO at Blue Light Card, said: “Asda has always done so much to show its appreciation to NHS staff and other frontline workers, and this partnership will help millions of blue light workers in the country.’

“After last year’s restrictions, this Christmas will feel particularly special for those who were unable to see their loved ones during the festive period in 2020.’

“It’s often the norm for so many of our members to work long hours in the run up to the big day, but at Asda they can save so much time on their Christmas shop by buying everything under one roof.’

“I hope they take advantage of this exclusive 10% discount to save on their tree, their turkey, their board games and even their Christmas jumper.’

“We really want to say thank you to our members for doing everything they can to help protect the most vulnerable this year, and every year.”

The Asda discount is valid in stores only and the terms and conditions are available on the following link:

Blue Light Discount Terms & Conditions (asda.com)

Eight Assaults A Day On Emergency Workers — Work With Us, Not Against Us Is The Christmas Plea

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Eight assaults every day were committed against Welsh emergency workers during the first six months of this year, new figures have revealed.

More than 1,360 assaults were committed in the six-month period from 01 January 2021 — 30 June 2021.

They included kicking, slapping, head-butting and verbal abuse, and ranged from common assault to serious premediated attacks involving grievous bodily harm.

At least 21 incidents involved a weapon.

With Christmas fast approaching — the time of year when assaults traditionally spike — emergency workers are asking the public to treat them with respect.

Jason Killens, Chief Executive of the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has been a fraught time for all of us, but that’s no excuse to assault an emergency worker, who are normal human beings just trying to do a job.’

“The run-up to Christmas means more people are out enjoying the revelry, and with alcohol consumption comes an increase in assaults, both physical and verbal.’

“There were 60 verbal attacks alone on our ambulance control room staff in the first six months of the year.’

“We know it’s distressing when you’re waiting for help, but abusing our call handlers is not the answer — if anything, it could potentially delay help.’

“On the road meanwhile, crews might have no choice but to leave a scene if their safety is compromised, and that’s not helpful for anyone, especially the patient.’

“The debt of gratitude we owe to our emergency workers has never been greater, so we’re asking the public to work with us, not against us this Christmas.”

Almost half (47%) of assaults in the six-month period took place in South East Wales; Cardiff, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Bridgend are among the most prolific local authority areas.

Offenders aged 26-35 account for the highest portion of offending (24%), while a third of incidents involved people under the influence of alcohol

May 2021 saw the highest volume of assaults (281) as the hospitality industry re-opened in Wales after the second COVID-19 lockdown.

Since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, there have been at least 36 incidents where an emergency worker has been deliberately coughed at.

Assaults on police account for two thirds (67%) of the total number, averaging 152 victims every month in the six-month period.

Claire Parmenter, Temporary Chief Constable at Dyfed Powys Police, said: “Assaults on police officers continue to increase and this is completely unacceptable.’

“Assault is a traumatic offence that causes great distress to anyone, and it is no different when the victim is an emergency worker.’

“In September, we saw a man handed a 26-week prison sentence suspended for two years after he violently attacked two of our police officers who had gone to his aid.’

“Concerned for his safety, they gave him a lift home — and in return both were physically injured.’

“The psychological impact on both officers is something they will take time to recover from.’

“In the same month alone, three officers carrying out their duties suffered injuries in an unprovoked attack at the hands of the man they were trying to arrest.’

“Despite the offender’s efforts, the officers were able to arrest him although they were left with injuries.’

“The offender appeared in court the day after his arrest, where he was sentenced to 12 months in prison.’

“Assaults such as these stay with the victims for the rest of their careers, and none of my officers and staff should have to go to work serving the public and be afraid of being assaulted.’

“With the upcoming season of goodwill, please respect and protect our emergency workers.”

Although fewer in number — 22 incidents over the six-month period — March 2021 saw an unexplained rise in assaults on fire service colleagues, especially in South Wales.

Chief Fire Officer Huw Jakeway QFSM from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “Our emergency services work hard every day keeping the public safe and should not have to deal with abuse.’

“Attacks on crews while protecting our communities and keeping people safe is completely unacceptable.’

“Our blue light services come to work to serve and protect the public and the impact of such assaults can lead to life-changing consequences for those involved.’

“This type of behaviour is, of course, carried out by a very small minority, and we once again thank our communities for their continued support in working with us this festive season to stay safe.”

Under the Assault on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act, the definition of an emergency worker includes police, fire and ambulance staff, as well as prison staff and NHS workers.

Judith Paget, Chief Executive of NHS Wales, said: “Our emergency workers provide life-saving and life-changing care every day in often difficult circumstances.’

“Our NHS staff are preparing for a challenging Christmas period so now, more than ever, they deserve to be treated with respect.’

“Any form of attack on our emergency workers is completely unacceptable and we are doing everything we can to work with NHS Wales employers and our partner agencies to eradicate physical or verbal assaults on staff.”

Last week, UK Government announced that it was introducing a new law that will mean a mandatory life sentence for those who kill an emergency worker in the course of their duty.

The Ministry of Justice said it would aim to pass ‘Harper’s Law’ in England and Wales — in memory of Thames Valley Police PC Andrew Harper, who was killed in the line of duty in 2019 — as soon as possible.

The With Us, Not Against Us campaign was launched in May 2021 by the Joint Emergency Service Group in Wales to try and reduce the number of assaults on emergency workers.

Pledge your support on social media using the hashtag #WithUsNotAgainstUs or #GydaNiNidYnEinHerbyn

SCAS Plays Leading Role In The Royal Foundation’s Project To Support Mental Health In The Emergency Services

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South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) played a leading role in The Royal Foundation’s Emergency Services Mental Health Symposium held today (Thursday) in London, with The Duke of Cambridge meeting two members of SCAS staff to talk about their experiences as part of a project to help manage mental health on the frontline.

The event saw the launch of a Blue Light Together package of mental health support for the emergency services which has been developed by The Royal Foundation in collaboration with partner organisations.

Duke of Cambridge gives his speech at the Emergency Services Mental Health Symposium

The Duke of Cambridge met Reading Emergency Care Assistant Chloe Taylor and Bracknell Paramedic Will Parish from SCAS at their home near Reading last week for a conversation which was broadcast to the Symposium audience of 200 leaders from across fire, ambulance, police and search and rescue services.

Will and Chloe shared their experiences of working as emergency responders and the mental health impact it can have, as well as their coping mechanisms and the need for emergency responders to be given the tools and support they need to manage these challenges.

Both stressed the importance of the role played by family members and peers.

Will, who began volunteering with SCAS in 2012 and applied for a full time position in late 2015, said: “A prevalent issue for emergency workers is maintaining your own resilience when faced with distressing and stressful incidents.’

“The importance of peer and family support is key as a support structure and is something I have always relied heavily upon through challenging times.”

Chloe, who worked for British Airways as cabin crew before joining SCAS in 2019, said: “Sometimes I find that difficult emotions can remain long after the patient has left our care and a challenge for emergency workers is learning how to look out for their own mental health, as well as colleagues.’

“Everyone is unique and changes can often be subtle. Luckily my colleagues helped me notice and manage my own challenges and, while family and friends may not always fully understand how the job affects our mental health, they play a crucial role in having a positive impact on our mental health and helping us to escape and relieve the pressure that can occur with the job role.”

The event marked the first time emergency services representatives from all four nations had come together to address the mental health of their workforces.

It included a live panel session involving senior emergency services leaders who talked about their personal experience of mental health, alongside speeches by Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Dame Cressida Dick, Health Secretary Sajid Javid and mental health charity Mind’s CEO Paul Farmer, as well as The Duke of Cambridge.

SCAS Chief Executive Will Hancock attended the Symposium in his capacity as national ambulance service lead for mental health for the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE).

He said: “The Royal Foundation’s Symposium today, as well as its wider Blue Light Together package of support, marks a really important milestone in the development of better mental health support for ambulance staff and our emergency services partners.​​​​​​​’

“In the ambulance service specifically we want to continue encouraging more open and honest conversations about mental health is as well as focusing on preventing suicides within the workforce and initiatives like this are essential in raising awareness and offering solutions.”

Discussing the Blue Light Together package, The Duke of Cambridge said: “This is an unprecedented agreement and it sends a powerful message to all emergency responders that mental health is, and will remain, a firm priority for the UK’s emergency services.’

“It means that, for the first time, a uniform set of standards for supporting the mental health of emergency responders will be adopted and integrated into their workplaces. This is a crucial step in ensuring that the staff and volunteers who work so tirelessly for our nation can be properly protected.”

For more information on the Blue Light Together package visit www.bluelighttogether.org.uk.

Technimount’s Neonatal Stretcher System Wins EMS World Innovation Award 2021.

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Quebec, QC (December 2nd, 2021) – Technimount EMS, an affiliated company of Technimount System, and a leading provider of mounting solutions for medical devices, announced that its Neonatal Stretcher System won the 2021 EMS World Innovation Awards.

The Neonatal Stretcher System revolutionises critical care transport by offering unparalleled safety and autonomy to neonatal transport teams.

The Technimount Neonatal Stretcher

This innovative system consists of a support stretcher structure and adapted mounts allowing the attachment of multiple medical devices.

Unlike some options available on the market that necessitate the permanent embedding of specific medical devices, the Neonatal Stretcher System enables neonatal critical care providers to adapt medical device configuration on the stretcher according to their own organisational protocols while using existing equipment.

This flexibility provides a seamless transition between teams during patient transfers as well as efficiencies in grouped medical device purchasing and training.

The EMS World Innovation Awards is the highest recognition in the Emergency Medical Service’s industry.

The award recognises the industry’s most pioneering products of the year based on their innovative features and applicability.

Technimount was nominated five years in a row and is now a winner for the third time, taking the leading position as the most innovative provider of safe and flexible
mounting solutions in the EMS industry.

“We are honored to receive this prestigious award in 2021.” said Carl Bouchard, Founder and CEO of Technimount System.

“This has been a very difficult year for many of our industry peers and this recognition proves that Technimount’s highest standards and innovation are providing the right
solutions to the industry.”

The Neonatal Stretcher Solution was developed in collaboration with CISSS des Laurentides, healthcare institution in Quebec, Canada, and has been deployed successfully in several neonatal healthcare units in North America since its launch early this year.

New Technology To Better Support Victims Of Domestic Violence

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The Welsh Ambulance Service has introduced new technology to better support victims of domestic violence.

Ambulance crews have been supporting patients to access Live Fear Free for help and advice on domestic violence since its creation using a bespoke telephone number.

Now crews now have the ability to assist patients via an app on their Trust-issue iPad to speed up and streamline the process

Live Fear Free is a 24/7 helpline for women, children and men experiencing domestic abuse, sexual violence or other forms of violence against women

It is a main point of contact in Wales to access support, information, safety-planning, advocacy, refuge and counselling services.

Nikki Harvey, the Welsh Ambulance Service’s Head of Safeguarding, said: “The Live Fear Free helpline is a free, confidential 24/7 specialist resource that anyone can access, at any time.

“Welsh Ambulance Service crews have been using it for some years to signpost patients to help and support, using the good old fashioned telephone — until now.’

“Having the technology to refer patients digitally using iPads is not only more efficient for crews, but it means that vulnerable patients get the support they need more quickly.’

“We all deserve to live without fear and in an environment which is safe, and modernising this referral pathway brings us a step closer to that.”

Live Fear Free helpline manager, Ann Williams, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside the Welsh Ambulance Service, making our joint support of those most in need across Wales even more efficient.’

“For staff at the helpline and the ambulance service alike, time is critical.’

“Using updated technology means that we can strengthen vital, time-saving communication methods, which will directly benefit the women, men and children getting in touch, for whom support can often be life changing or even life-saving.”

You can contact Live Fear Free by calling 0808 80 10 800, texting 07860 077333, emailing [email protected] or by using its 24/7 live chat service.

Consultant From London’s Air Ambulance Charity Discusses Mental Health At Landmark Royal Foundation Event

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Dr John Chatterjee, a Consultant with London’s Air Ambulance Charity, attended and spoke at an Emergency Services Mental Health Symposium hosted by The Royal Foundation earlier this week.

At the event HRH The Duke of Cambridge, Patron of London’s Air Ambulance Charity, gave a keynote speech about the importance of prioritising mental health in the emergency services, drawing on his own experiences as an air ambulance pilot.  

Dr John Chatterjee took part in a live panel discussion about mental health, discussing his own personal experiences as a first responder, having been part of the teams attending the Grenfell Tower Fire and London Bridge terror attack in 2017.

John has worked for London’s Air Ambulance Charity since 2013, and says that his experiences trying to care for patients and families in the ‘ordinary’ and ‘extraordinary’ circumstances in and around London have informed and humbled him.

Speaking at the event this morning, John said: “You put this uniform on, and mine is particularly bright! And it feels like a suit of armour.’

Dr John Chatterly of London’s Air Ambulance speaks at the Royal Foundation

“There are things I do in this uniform I would never do in my jeans. The most important thing is opening this suit of armour and people seeing that we’re all human beings and we all suffer.”

Speaking on the panel alongside Dr Chatterjee were Martin Blunden from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service; Roger Watson from East Midlands Ambulance Service; Una Jennings from Cheshire Constabulary, and the discussion was facilitated by Nick Knowles.

Each panellist spoke about their lived experiences working on the frontline and how they deal with mental health challenges in their roles.

The symposium brought together emergency service leaders, frontline workers, policy makers and academics to discuss the mental health of our emergency services, and was hosted in partnership with the National Police Chiefs’ Council, National Fire Chiefs Council, Association of Ambulance Chief Executives and United Kingdom Search and Rescue.  

Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the emergency services community is an important priority for The Duke of Cambridge and The Royal Foundation and London’s Air Ambulance supports the vital work being done in this space.