WILTSHIRE Air Ambulance charity has secured the services of Dr Rod Mackenzie as its medical director.

Dr Mackenzie is a consultant in emergency medicine and pre-hospital emergency medicine at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, and the clinical director of the East of England Major Trauma Centre. He has family members who live and work in Wiltshire and his role with Wiltshire Air Ambulance is unpaid.

He said: “I am delighted to be able to work with and advise the trustees of Wiltshire Air Ambulance. As the NHS goes through a seismic change – particularly in connection with the new integrated trauma networks – it is important that trustees receive independent clinical advice and I am delighted to accept this invitation to fulfil this important role.”

The Air Ambulance became an independent charity last October, after Great Western Ambulance Service relinquished its role as trustee.

Richard Youens, chairman of charity, who lives in Rushall, said: “We are very fortunate that Dr Mackenzie has agreed to join us. His wide experience makes him second to none in ensuring that Wiltshire Air Ambulance continues to provide the best possible emergency care for the people of Wiltshire.”