Suzanne Shale announced as new Chair of AvMA

Published: 7 Dec 2015

Categories: Latest

AvMA is delighted to announce that Suzanne Shale was elected Chair of the charity at its AGM on 1st December.

Suzanne works as an independent consultant in the fields of healthcare ethics, patient safety, and conflict resolution. Formerly an Oxford University academic, much of her activity is focused on improving support for patients and professionals when things have gone wrong. She is Ethics Advisor to NHS England’s Patient Safety Steering Group, chaired the NHS England Surgical Never Events Task Force, and is working closely with NHS England on the implementation of National Safety Standards for Interventional Procedures.

She said “I have admired AvMA’s work for many years and feel very honoured to be elected Chair. I am passionate about our twin aims of preventing healthcare harm from occurring, and seeking justice for the people affected by it when it happens. I want the NHS to be the most trusted and trustworthy healthcare system in the world. The best way to achieve this is for everyone – patients, families, professionals, policy makers, political leaders and organisations like AvMA – to work together.

“Much has improved since AvMA started. Law firms accredited by AvMA provide excellent services, there is now a statutory duty of candour in England, and the NHS has worked hard to make hospitals safer. But there are new challenges ahead. Pressure on the care system is increasing, more treatment is provided in community settings which present different safety questions, and changes to the legal system threaten to limit access to justice.

“I am looking forward to working with AvMA’s Patrons, Trustees, staff and supporters on the ‘next chapter’ in action against medical harm.”

Suzanne has served as a Trustee for AvMA since January 2014 and takes over as Chair from Rita Lewis, who will continue to serve on the Board of Trustees.

AvMA is also pleased to announce that Angela Brown has been elected Treasurer for AvMA, taking over from Barbara Ross. She has over 20 years’ experience working for a local authority and for a range of NHS Trusts covering learning disabilities, community and mental health, and ambulance services within Northumberland, Teesside and Yorkshire.