West Midlands, February 2023

Susan Dorrian, February 17, 2023

Hello from the West Midlands

The region has been without RCEM representation and a board for some time, from November 2022 we’ve begun to re-establish the regional board, with myself as chair, Mark Ragoo as vice chair and Ruth Beveridge as ACP representative. We’re seeking a number of other roles, including representation for each of our trusts in the West Midlands.

The region covers a large geographical area with large cities and rural areas, the last National Census highlighted the huge diversity within our region – with Birmingham having a higher ratio of young people in the population than any other UK city. Our region also saw several areas within the 10 worst deprived locations in the England from over 300 local authority areas, and some areas within the 10 most affluent. There were more than 30 ethnic groups living in the region too. The diversity within our population is also mirrored by our ED workforce – we’ll be exploring and celebrating that diversity in our regional conference supported by EMCEF on 28th June, hosted at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. 

The regional board aims to meet on a quarterly basis, hearing from trusts and representatives within the West Midlands and seeking to address issues that are relevant to our region. This is a great opportunity to network with colleagues in region, understand more about the work of the college and gain experience of working on a committee – everyone’s voice is valued and respected. If you’re interested in learning more, have a look at the RCEM opportunities page: https://rcem.ac.uk/volunteering-opportunities/  or contact me on WMChair@RCEM.ac.uk

Over the next year we’ll fully establish the regional board again and will seek to support the Emergency Medicine workforce in our area to achieve high quality, sustainable Emergency care careers that deliver the best possible outcomes for our patient population.