I am delighted to introduce myself as the new WSASC deputy chair (Welsh specialist, associate specialist, and specialty doctors committee) at BMA Cymru Wales.

Born and bred in Wales, I studied medicine at Swansea University via the graduate-entry route, having first attained a first class honours BSc in medical science and humanities.

I completed the foundation programme at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board before entering the anaesthetics specialty training programme, where I have worked at Cwm Taf Morgannwg, Cardiff and Vale, and Swansea Bay University Health Boards.

I have been a specialty doctor in anaesthetics for just over six years, working primarily within main operating theatres or labour ward. I regularly work autonomously as the anaesthetist on my own operating list and often supervise anaesthetic resident doctors and foundation doctors.

Teaching, leadership and volunteering

I enjoy teaching and supporting colleagues to develop and I am a faculty member on the PROMPT (Practical Obstetric Multi-Professional Training) Cymru, teaching colleagues from multi-professional backgrounds about safety, teamwork, and communication, aiming to reduce avoidable harm and improve perinatal outcomes.

Outside medicine, I enjoy volunteering in a variety of roles. I have been a member of St John Ambulance Cymru for over 25 years and have held a number of local, regional and national roles within the charity; I have served as the chief officer of South Wales Police Special Constabulary for over 13 years, providing strategic leadership for a team of up to 180 volunteer police officers; and I have served as a deputy lieutenant for the County of Mid Glamorgan for almost five years.

Commitment to WSASC and future aspirations

Mindful of the challenges ahead, I am incredibly excited to be joining WSASC and serving SAS doctors across Wales. I know how committed and passionate we are about providing the best care to our patients and protecting and promoting the health of the public – continually striving to improve quality, often in the most trying of circumstances.

As one BMA, we are here to collectively support and look after each other so that we can be the best for our patients.

We will continue to call for full pay and resource restoration for SAS doctors and promote an inclusive culture where SAS doctors do not face disadvantages due to background or protected characteristics.

We will continue to call for more opportunities to move to the new specialist grade as a progression route for highly experienced specialty doctors, offering a senior, autonomous role focussed on direct patient care. We will also continue to put patient safety first, whether this be calling for an end to corridor care, expanding minimum staffing legislation to include doctors, or calling for the regulation of managers across the NHS in Wales.

Collective action

Together we are all the BMA, and our voice and our strength is in our number. Therefore, I encourage all SAS doctors in Wales to promote BMA membership among your colleagues, and also ensure you take advantage of the benefits BMA membership has to offer.

By working together, through collective voice and collective action, we can achieve success not just on pay or career progression, but on professional issues that affect our patients.

I look forward to working alongside you.

Dale Cartwright is WASC deputy chair and a specialty doctor in anaesthetics