ASN hold first meeting following merger
Thursday, 21 February, 2008
Wednesday 13th February 2008 in London saw the first meeting of the Board of the newly formed Ambulance Service Network (ASN)
Following the merger of the ASA with the NHS Confederation, the ASN now sits alongside other key networks within the NHS Confederation including the PCT, FT, Mental Health and NHS Partners Network.
The Board, chaired by John Burnside CEO of the North West Ambulance Service has 11 members, 5 CEOs, 5 Chairs and the network director. Assisting John as Vice Chair of the ASN Board is Heather Strawbridge Chair of South West Ambulance Service. The current network director is Philip Selwood who in the past has served in both the London and Great Western Ambulance Services.
In an opening statement, endorsed by the board, John Burnside made it clear that the ASN is an organisation whose prime task was to ensure that its members had a collective voice promoting the best interests of ambulance service staff and the patients they serve among key partners, both inside and outside the NHS. The challenge the board recognised is one of inclusivity, whereby staff of all member organisations feel that the ASN truly represents them on the major issues facing modern ambulance services.
Partnership working is also key, and the ASN will work in a co-ordinated way with the other networks as well as the blue light services. The Board fully intends to ensure they support the Ambulance Service goal of being an integral part of the health service, while maintaining its unique role amongst health professionals as the third blue light service.
John and the Board acknowledge the wide range of different interests given that its members were spread across England, the devolved administrations of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales together with those from the islands of Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man, Gibraltar and Isle of Wight. The challenge is to ensure that all services are supported in their delivery of the highest standards of patient care, while recognising the huge diversity among communities and staff that such a wide range of services represent.
Board members
John Burnside, ASN Chairman, Chief Executive, North West Ambulance Service
Heather Strawbridge, ASN Vice-Chair, Chair, South Western Ambulance Service
Sigurd Reinton, Chair, London Ambulance Service
Tony Dell, Chair, North East Ambulance Service
Anthony Marsh, Chief Executive, West Midlands Ambulance Service
Paul Sutton, Chief Executive, South East Coast Ambulance Service
William Hancock, Chief Executive, South Central Ambulance Service
Nick Varey, Chair, Yorkshire Ambulance Service
Alan Murray, Chief Executive, Welsh Ambulance Service
Chris Faircliffe, Chair, East Midlands Ambulance Service
Philip Selwood Director,Ambulance Service Network (ASN)
