New medical director appointed at the South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust (From Gazette Series)

New medical director, Dr Alison Walker, appointed at the South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust (SWASFT)

9:50am Sunday 10th February 2013 in News By Marion Sauvebois

A NEW executive medical director has been appointed for South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust (SWASFT).

Dr Alison Walker, who is currently at the helm of Yorkshire Ambulance Service, will join the organisation in April.

She will spend four days each week at the newly-enlarged SWASFT. "I am delighted to be joining South Western Ambulance Service as executive medical director," she said. "Ambulance clinicians and systems can make a real difference to patient outcomes and I am keen to apply my experience for the benefit of staff and patients."

In addition to her post at the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, she is medical director for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. In 2012, she became chairman of the National Ambulance Service Medical Directors’ Group and has been regional chairman of the Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care Group (Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh) since 2007.

Her other roles have included medical advisor to the Chief Fire Officers Association Immediate Emergency Care Group and member of the Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee.

SWASFT Chief Executive Ken Wenman said: "I am delighted Alison is joining the trust to expand the important clinical leadership role. She is passionate about working with all frontline staff to ensure patients receive the very best clinical care."