The North East Ambulance Service has appointed a new Chief Executive – Yvonne Ormston.
Yvonne has more than 30-years’ experience of working in the NHS locally, and was most recently the Deputy Chief Executive of Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust.
Yvonne said: “I am delighted and honoured to be joining NEAS as the new Chief Executive. It is a very strong organisation and has a great track record in providing high quality services to the people of the North East.
‘I’m particularly looking forward to working with the Board and meeting the staff at NEAS, who are its greatest asset, and for whom I have the utmost respect. My priority will be to see how I can support them further in the work that they do. I am also keen to work with patients and other key stakeholders to explore how, by working together, we can further improve and develop services.”
Yvonne’s previous posts include Locality Director for Northumberland Care Trust, and Chief Executive of Gateshead Primary Care Group.
Outgoing Chief Executive Simon Featherstone is stepping down after 15-years at the helm. During his tenure NEAS became the highest performing UK ambulance service for attending “Red” emergency calls in 8-minutes or less. Simon also oversaw the piloting of the NHS 111 service in the North East before it was rolled-out nationally.
Ashley Winter, Chairman of NEAS, said:
The Board are delighted to have secured such an experienced NHS Director, who knows the North East health economy so well.
We are confident that Yvonne has the necessary skills and experience to lead the service through the increasing challenges that face the NHS and NEAS in particular. Simon has given 15 years of exemplary service to North East patients and we wish him well in retirement.”