Name: Michelle Brotherton
Job Title: General Manager for West Mercia
Base: Worcester, Hereford, Bromsgrove, Shrewsbury and Telford
Length of service: 20 years
Role within WMAS:
I am responsible for running the ambulance service in Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire. I have overall responsibility of the management of staff, budgets, ensuring we have enough ambulances and rapid response vehicles to be able to respond to 999 calls and upkeep high clinical standards in order to ensure the patients get the best treatments possible. I deal with hospitals and clinical commissioning groups and the other emergency services. I am also a registered paramedic and I still respond to emergencies both in and out of hours.
Christmas day plans:
I will be the on-call duty manager for Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire. I will be at home on the day with my husband and four children and lunch will be at my parents. I will go into work to wish the staff a Happy Christmas, however, I could be called out at any time.
Top tip for winter: Don’t let the cold outside, make you cold inside
With temperatures over the next few months potentially getting really cold, it is important that we all make plans to keep ourselves warm. Cold weather has a particularly bad impact on people with conditions such as breathing difficulties. If possible, keep your main living room between 18-21C (65-70F) and the rest of the house at a minimum of 16C (61F). You can use a hot-water bottle or electric blanket (but not both at the same time) to keep warm while you’re in bed. Try to eat well as food is a vital source of energy. Having hot drinks regularly throughout the day and at least one hot meal is also advisable; keep active in the home if you can too. Wrap up warm, inside and out by wearing several layers of clothing. If possible, stay inside during a cold period if you have heart or respiratory problems, but if you do go out, wear shoes with a good grip to reduce the chance of falling. If you’re worried about a relative or an elderly neighbour, contact your council or ring the Age UK helpline on 0800 00 99 66. You may also be able to claim financial and practical help with heating your home. The Energy Saving Trust also has advice on how to reduce bills.