The South West Regional Anaesthesia Group (SOWRA) was founded by Dr Barry Nicholls and Dr David Conn. The structure of the group was formalised in 2008 with the appointment of a governing board. It is currently run as a trust and is controlled by a governing board who oversee the running of the trust and the distribution of income. SOWRA was registered as a charity with the English Charity Commission in 2011 - our registration number is 1142538.
There is no formal membership structure.
We have a governing document which details how we will use our income to meet the objects of the group.
SOWRA's objects:
To protect and preserve health by the advancement of the standards and education in regional anaesthesia and pain management
In furtherance of this object the charity shall:
i) provide a forum for discussion
ii) encourage awareness of regional anaesthesia and pain management amongst the hospital and community medical and surgical practice.
iii) encourage awareness of regional anaesthesia and pain management amongst the general public.
iv) provide training and educational updates in regional anaesthesia and pain management techniques.
v) promote research for the public benefit in all areas of regional anaesthesia and pain management and to publish the useful results
Geographical limits of SOWRA
The geographical limits of SOWRA (the SOWRA Region) shall include Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset (Taunton to mark northern limit).
Governing structure
The SOWRA is run by a board of trustees
A Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer are appointed form within the trustee body.
Income and Expenditure
SOWRA funds shall be used to advance the groups objects:
This may include
- Provision of equipment related to training in regional anaesthesia for use in NHS institutions in the SOWRA region.
- Providing regional anaesthesia education and training within the SOWRA region.
- Funding clinical and basic science research relating to regional anaesthesia within the SOWRA region.
- Funding initiatives to raise the knowledge and awareness of regional anaesthesia amongst the general public.