Air Ambulances UK has appointed Sarah Thewlis to chair its board.

She is a former deputy chief executive of the Royal College of Physicians and an ex-chief executive of both the Royal College of General Practitioners and the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

“I am delighted to be appointed as the independent Chair of Air Ambulances UK and to support the outstanding work of the air ambulance charities who provide timely critical care especially where distance or accessibility is a challenge,” said Thewlis.

“I look forward to serving with the rest of the Board and to working collaboratively in driving forward the organisation’s mission and strengthening the vital support provided to the regional bodies across the UK.”

For the last 15 years she has been managing director of executive search firm Thewlis Graham Associates and has previously worked in human resources at Marks and Spencer for 13 years.

Air Ambulances UK’s interim chief executive Lindsay Boswell added: “With her wealth of experience across multiple sectors and her passion for supporting complex organisations, she brings invaluable insight and leadership.

“Sarah’s expertise will be instrumental in strengthening our support for air ambulance charities and ensuring the sector continues to deliver life-saving care across the UK.

“We look forward to working closely with her and the Board of Trustees to build on our mission and drive further impact."

This week Air Ambulances UK launched a fund with two legal firms to offer grants to charities in the sector to support patient outcomes and crew wellbeing.

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