We are pleased to share the news with you that Dr Nicole Atkinson has been appointed as our new Medical Director at East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS).
Nicole is a Primary Care Medical Advisor for the NHS Confederation and uses her experiences and skills to influence policy at a national level.
Nicole said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed to the Medical Director role at EMAS.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to work with an organisation which clearly fosters a continuous improvement and learning culture, and EMAS has also shown through COVID-19 its ability to adapt, innovate and deliver for patients.
“The values, purpose and ambitions at EMAS match my own; I’ve always believed that getting the culture right in an organisation is one of its critical foundation stones – it’s the difference between being good or being truly outstanding and so is something I’ve championed in previous leadership roles.
“It’s really important to me that my role is about a whole team approach, working with other EMAS executive directors and the Trust Board, the wider EMAS team of staff and volunteers, our stakeholders, and our patients.”
Richard Henderson, Chief Executive at EMAS said: “Together with colleagues across the organisation I look forward to welcoming Nicole to EMAS.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Nicole’s predecessor, Dr Leon Roberts who made a significant, positive impact to patient care, clinical outcomes, and how we support our frontline colleagues and clinicians during his three-and-a half years in the role.”
Dr Leon Roberts joined EMAS in November 2018 as Assistant Medical Director before going on to become Medical Director in April 2019. He played a pivotal role of supporting the ambulance service during its biggest challenge in history throughout two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Leon Roberts added: “While it’s with great sadness to be stepping down as EMAS Medical Director I have every confidence in Nicole’s passion for providing high quality, safe and effective care to patients.
“I will continue to wear my ‘EMAS greens’ as I continue to work shifts in the Clinical Co-ordination and Support Desk in the 999 Control Room. I will also continue to respond to 999 calls in my Air Ambulance and EMICS volunteer doctor role.”