24th Oct 2013
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Julian Thompson as an Executive Director of the Charity. Julian previously worked as a doctor on London’s Air Ambulance in 2010 and has returned to lead an enhancement of the capacity and funding of the service in partnership with senior figures in the City of London.
We believe that this is a fantastic opportunity to work with leading members of the City community to ensure that our Charity’s world class medical care can be maintained and developed to serve the Capital. There is synergy between the innovative and life saving care that London’s Air Ambulance provides and the dynamic success of London’s corporate community.
Last year, London’s Air Ambulance’s work was highlighted in the Coroner’s Inquest into the London Bombings of 7 July 2005. The Coroner, Lady Justice Hallett praised the service saying “Despite current financial constraints, London’s Air Ambulance has, since its formation, provided an invaluable service to the Capital”. One of the 7/7 inquest’s 9 concluding recommendations was that London’s Air Ambulance should have its “funding and capacity” reviewed.
We appreciate the help we receive from the NHS, and our current corporate supporters, however, in these most austere of times, we need to develop additional income sources to remain at the international forefront of emergency medical care and maintain the quality of care we provides to critically injured Londoners.
Commenting on his appointment Dr Julian Thompson said: "It is a privilege to return to London's Air Ambulance and support the outstanding service that the Charity provides to the whole of London. During my time as a doctor on the service I was inspired by the extreme professionalism of the medical care but frustrated that limitations in funding meant that we could not always reach Londoner's who needed our care.”
“Many people I speak to do not realise that London’s Air Ambulance is a charity and I firmly believe that with increased awareness of the exceptional care we deliver that we will gain more support from Londoners.”
“London’s Air Ambulance pilots and medics are on the frontline of London every single day, saving lives in challenging environments. London should be proud of the world leading care that London's Air Ambulance provides to critically injured patients. At this most challenging of times we need financial support from the communities we serve to maintain and enhance this exceptional service."
Dr Gareth Davies, Medical Director and Chair of the Trustees of London’s Air Ambulance: “We are delighted to welcome Julian to the team once again, only this time in a different capacity. Having spent time with London’s Air Ambulance. last year, Julian has extensive first hand knowledge of how important the service is and his main focus will be to ensure that London’s Air Ambulance obtains the funding and recognition to continue to provide a world class service for a world class city..”
To read Dr Julian Thompson's biog, click here