The team, set up in March 2014, comprises a committed group of doctors who support incident commanders during major, mass casualty, and complex incidents across the region.
MERIT doctors contribute to command and clinical decision-making processes. The team provides medical advice, coordinates on-scene medical assets, and helps us get the right care to patients involved in large-scale incidents.
Bringing together a diverse range of specialties, each team member offers expert knowledge and experience in their respective practice areas. Supporting our response to incidents such as uncontrolled chemical releases, large-scale road traffic collisions, fires, or civil disorders, MERIT doctors work on an on-call basis to provide medical expertise across the region at any time.
Reflecting on a decade of service, MERIT Manager Dr Craig Hooper remarked: “People may not necessarily be aware that there are doctors who work within the ambulance service. The past 10 years have showcased MERIT’s invaluable contribution in responding to complex, large-scale incidents. The dedicated team work seamlessly with our command and clinical leadership colleagues. They provide essential advice and ensure medical resources are given to those in need.”
NWAS was among the first ambulance services in the nation to establish a bespoke team of doctors of this nature.
One of the longest-serving MERIT doctors, Dr Theo Weston, added: “Working within MERIT for ten years complements my other medical practices, offering valuable insights and allowing me to contribute meaningfully to the ambulance service. It has been a privilege to be part of such an important and national leading organisation – there are very few similar schemes like MERIT throughout the country and it has been great to be a part of that journey.”
Each MERIT doctor possesses a certificate of completion of training in either general practice or specialties such as emergency medicine, anaesthesia, critical care, and surgery.
Find further information about MERIT by visiting nwas.nhs.uk/careers.
Join us in celebrating a decade of MERIT excellence and the dedicated individuals who continue to make a difference every day.