A LEADING Chorley doctor has taken up a key role with Lancashire Ambulance Service.

Dr Richard Fairhurst has been appointed the service's new clinical director, initially for a three-year term.

He will work as its part-time advisor, in addition to his current duties as clinical director of accident and emergency medicine at Chorley and South Ribble District Hospital.

David Hill, chief executive of Lancashire Ambulance Service, said: "I am very pleased Dr Fairhurst has agreed to act as as our clinical director.

"Richard has worked closely with us for some time as chairman of the paramedic steering committee and plays a key role in developing NHS Direct in Lancashire.

"He is very well respected among colleagues and will be a tremendous asset to Lancashire Ambulance Service on clinical matters."

Dr Fairhurst said he would be helping to develop the skills of staff, such as paramedics, for instance, within the service.

He said: "Paramedics are trained to do a whole series of procedures. There's a whole series of procedures they are not trained to do. We shall be looking at how they apply those procedures."

And he promised to listen to people's complaints: "We shall be looking at complaints the way people feel the ambulance service has failed them, but seeing whether there's a point there and whether any learning or training needs to be put into position."

Dr Fairhurst succeeds Professor Stuart Horner who retired as honorary medical advisor to the service at the end of December.

Mr Hill added: "Professor Horner has been closely involved with our service for the past 12 years and we are very grateful for his sound advice guidance throughout that period.

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