East: New Ambulance Service Chief Exec Confirmed

17 December 2013, 09:36 | Updated: 17 December 2013, 09:40

It's been confirmed that Doctor Anthony Marsh will become Chief Executive of the East of England Ambulance Service in the New Year.

Doctor Marsh, who is currently Chief Executive of West Midlands Ambulance Service, is being brought in ''to speed up improvement in service delivery and performance and build long term sustainability''.

He recently authored a critical report into the East's Ambulance Service, following long-term criticism of leadership and response time.

He'll be combining his new role at the East of England's Ambulance Service with being in charge of the service in the West Midlands. 

Doctor Geoffrey Harris OBE, Chair of the Trust, said: "This is an important step forward for the Trust as we focus on transforming the ambulance service. 

I am pleased that we have been able to bring in such an experienced Chief Executive.

Transforming our ambulance service is going to take time, but we have made a start. 

We are making changes and seeing early signs of improvement. 

Anthony will undoubtedly help us build on and accelerate this work."

Anthony Marsh said: "I am delighted to have been offered this opportunity to work with the staff in the East of England Ambulance Service. 

During my review I met many of the ambulance crews, control room staff as well as those who work in the support functions. 

The overwhelming message I got from them was wanting to make the service better for patients.

I am absolutely determined to work with the staff to continue the improvements that have been started and take them to the next level.

During my 26-year ambulance service career, I have worked in many ambulance services around the country and together with the review that I undertook, I know many of the issues that we face going forward. 

Whilst it will not be easy, I have every confidence that with the support of the staff, we can really make a difference to the care that we provide to patients.”

Doctor Marsh will be working four days a week at the East of England Ambulance Service.