Dorset Doctor wins Doctor of the Year at Air Ambulance Awards

Dr Ian Mew was awarded Doctor of the Year whilst Wayne Busby picked up Operations Support Staff of the Year.

Organised by Air Ambulances UK and sponsored by Airbus, the annual awards took place on Monday November 14 to recognise the life-saving skills of those within the air ambulance community.

On a successful night for the charity Pete Appleby (left) was highly commended, whilst Wayne Busby (centre) and Ian Mew (right) were both winners

Dr Ian Mew has worked with the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance for nine years.

He is an intensive care and anaesthesia consultant and an inspirational air doctor who is described as going above and beyond for patients and their families in all of his professional domains.

He has been instrumental in transforming care that is provided to patients across the South West and the development of injury prevention campaigns locally, regionally and nationally.

After receiving his award, Dr Mew said: "I am incredibly humbled to receive this Doctor of the Year award.

"There are so many people going above and beyond in our society, this award is a recognition of everyone who works for the benefit of others.

"I'd particularly like to thank Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance who have rallied behind our motorcycle injury prevention work and supported the DocBike charity from its inception.

"I'd also like to thank all of the DocBike volunteers and trustees, my colleagues on the air ambulance and at Dorset County Hospital, without whom none of the achievements recognised by this award would have been possible."

There was also success for the charity's maintenance engineer Wayne Busby, who was awarded Operations Support Staff of the Year.

Wayne has been with the charity for eight years.

Wayne Busby - Winner of Operations Support Staff of the Year

His total dedication to the maintenance of aircraft often sees him work unsociable and extended hours. 

His exceptional contribution and high level of service availability were recognised by the independent judging panel which saw him pick up the award.

Wayne said: "I am overwhelmed by the number of very kind messages of congratulations after receiving this award.

"Thanks to my colleagues at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance for always making me feel part of the team.

"We all have the same goal, to provide an outstanding critical care air ambulance service for the people of Dorset and Somerset.

"For me, I love fixing helicopters and feel proud to be able to play my part in helping to save lives."

There was yet more success for the charity as Pete Appleby was highly commended within the Critical Care Practitioner of the Year category amongst an extremely strong shortlist.

Pete Appleby - Highly Commended Critical Care Practitioner of the Year

Pete has been described as a superb practitioner and an extra-ordinary patient advocate who has championed the needs of patients and families through his unique mixture of extensive practical experience, analytical reflection and compassion.

Pete said: "To even be nominated for an award was an honour, however to be recognised on the night was really special.

"I want to say thank you to all my colleagues and friends at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and beyond."

Speaking on the achievements on the night, Charles Hackett, Chief Executive Officer of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, said: "Wayne, Ian and Pete are great, each bringing wonderful skills and a huge personal commitment to our mission here at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

"Their achievements are nothing short of what they deserve. We, and everyone living in Dorset and Somerset are very lucky to have them."