DAVID Philpott has been named as the chief executive of Magpas, the emergency medical service which is rebranding itself as Helimedix 24/7.

DAVID Philpott has been named as the chief executive of Magpas, the emergency medical service which is rebranding itself as Helimedix 24/7.

Mr Philpott, a founding chairman of the Association of Air Ambulances, has more than 30 years’ experience in a career that has taken in local government, broadcast media and international development work.

He is also the chairman of the Institute of Directors in Kent, and was recently recruited by the Appointments Commission to become the chairman of the Wiltshire Air Ambulance Appeal, a joint NHS and police air ambulance service.

Magpas chairman Michael Black said: “Magpas is very fortunate in having David join our team. In the coming months and years we expect to see radical changes and improvements in on-the-scene emergency care.

“Magpas has been championing these developments for many years and we are delighted that they are now being embraced by the NHS. Magpas will have to adapt and change in the coming months and we are delighted that we will be able to use David’s expertise and experience to lead us through these challenging times.”

Mr Philpott said: “I am acutely aware of how well-regarded Magpas is by the thousands of people who have funded its vital service over the past four decades.

“My priorities will be to ensure that successful fundraising continues and accelerates in these times of austerity while at the same time working with our clinicians and partner organisations to ensure that we provide a first rate integrated but independent emergency medical service.”