Tracey is delighted to congratulate Adrian Bell, Chief Executive of the Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance who has been named as one of the Health Service Journal’s Top 50 Innovators in healthcare for 2014 for the charity’s development of its full 24 hour HEMS operation.

The Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance began operating its 24/7 Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) in September 2013 and is the only air ambulance operator in the country to provide such a service. The development of the service from 12 to 24 hours, took the charity’s team, lead by Adrian, nearly three years to plan and implement. The air ambulance’s doctor and paramedic team deliver enhanced pre hospital care to seriously ill or injured patients. In the first year of its night operations crews have attended over 430 patients as well as about 1400 patients by day.

Adrian Bell said ‘My name being on this list is actually due recognition of what everyone, and I include all our supporters and volunteers as well as staff, both operational and charity, have achieved in delivering to the community a service all our patients so desperately need’.

Tracey said ‘The work of the air ambulance is simply outstanding and I am delighted that my constituents benefit from this amazing team day or night, whenever it is needed most. It has no doubt taken a lot of hard work and innovative thinking to get this comprehensive service in place and I am absolutely thrilled that Adrian and his team have been recognised for all these efforts. Thoroughly deserved, thank you!’

Readers of the Health Service Journal were invited to name those they felt should be considered by a panel of respected judges for this prestigious award and last Thursday HSJ announced it’s 2014 list of the most innovative people in Healthcare. Alistair McLellan, editor of HSJ made the announcement at a reception at the Royal College of Physicians attended by the 50 innovators and guests.