First cross sector “think tank” to shape 21st century NHS ambulance service Commemorates “father” of emergency medical services
Friday, 27 February, 2015
The Larrey Society, the first cross sector “think tank” for emergency medical specialists to shape an ambulance service fit for purpose in the 21st century, was announced in London today at www.thelarreysociety.org (26 February 2015).
For the first time senior executives from all three ambulance sectors – NHS trusts, private companies and voluntary organisations - and thought leaders from the medical and academic communities will work together to pool ideas, conduct research and engage with legislators and regulators seeking a safe and caring NHS patient transport system to meet the needs of the young and the elderly.
Membership of the Society is free and all members are named on the Society’s website.
David Davis, the Society’s Founder, said: “The initial response has far exceeded expectations and is particularly encouraging because the first wave of people applying for membership are from across the healthcare community.
“Every member will be given the opportunity to personally contribute their views and ideas and to encourage open debate they will meet under The Chatham House Rule, the protocol on confidentiality which enables politicians and diplomats to have what they describe as ‘full and frank discussions’ without disclosing who said what to whom and when. Final reports will be pre-approved by members before being published in the Society’s name.
“Getting decision makers and influencers to talk openly with one another is designed to remove one of the most important barriers to genuine collaboration between all providers of the nation’s ambulance services…..this can only be in all patients’ best interests.”
The Society is a personal initiative financed by Davis, who launched the Independent Ambulance Association in 2012 and left last year to continue to campaign for greater collaboration between all providers of patient transport services.
The “think tank” is named The Larrey Society after Dominique Jean Larrey (7th July 1766 – 25th July 1842), the French surgeon in Napoleon’s army and an innovator in battlefield medicine. To many he was the “father” of the modern day ambulance service.
Davis said: “Larrey was a visionary whose wisdom is very much needed now in the debate on the future pivotal role of NHS patient transport services. The Society has been formed to revive his memory and also inspire the current leaders to follow in his footsteps to ensure all patients’ PTS needs are met.”
Membership is open to individuals with a current or previous direct managerial experience in the public, independent or voluntary ambulance services or relevant healthcare organisation and who wish to contribute and share their views and ideas for shaping the future of patient transport services.
A typical annual programme of members-only events will include luncheon discussion meetings and VIP dinners with keynote speakers. The Society will also publish white papers on relevant agreed topics to stimulate discussion and engage with legislators and regulators.
There is no annual membership subscription fee but members attending events will pay a fee to cover the cost of the meal.
For more information and to apply for membership go to www.thelarreysociety.org
