Dr Russell McLaughlin appointed as Vice President in Northern Ireland

2 March 2023

The College would like to welcome Dr Russell McLaughlin, Consultant and Clinical Director in Emergency Medicine, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, to the role of Vice President Northern Ireland.

Dr McLaughlin was previously on the College’s Northern Ireland national board and takes over the role from Dr Paul Kerr who completed his term at the end of February.

Dr Kerr has been a stalwart spokesperson and advocate for Emergency Medicine in Northern Ireland, and he has been a consistently clear and strong voice in the media. The College thanks him for his dedication, advocacy and hard work during what has been an incredibly challenging few years.

The College wishes Dr Kerr continued success both in and outside his roles in Emergency Medicine.

Dr McLaughlin said: “The past few years have been exceptionally difficult for Emergency Medicine in Northern Ireland. Dr Kerr, as Vice President in Northern Ireland, has been at the forefront in media and policy work and we owe him a great deal for all his hard work and commitment.

“The Emergency Care system in Northern Ireland, not for lack of Dr Kerr’s efforts, remains in an extremely difficult position. Performance deteriorating, exhausted staff, patients anxious and facing longer waits than ever before – set against a backdrop of political uncertainty. There is much work to do and we will endeavour to do all that we can.

“In my role as Vice President in Northern Ireland I will advocate for our members and for patients to improve patient care, to make Emergency Departments safer and to ensure the delivery of high-quality Emergency Care, with sustainable training and working practices and rewarding careers.

“I look forward to working with the College, the national board and other Colleges and external partners to deliver for Emergency Medicine in Northern Ireland.”

The College also welcomes Dr Michael Perry to the role of Vice Chair in Northern Ireland. Dr Perry takes over this role from Dr Ian Crawford.

Dr Russell McLaughlin