A new chief executive has been appointed for the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

Robert Morton, a paramedic and a community first responder, has worked in the ambulance service for nearly 25 years .

He is a former chief executive of the National Ambulance Service in Ireland. He then went on to be chief executive of the South Australian Ambulance Service.

Robert, who will take up the post on Monday, August 24, said: "The service has been through some very difficult and challenging times over the last few years, but I am confident we can build on the good work that Anthony Marsh has put in place to further improve our services for patients and at the same time make this a even better place to work.

“Having worked in the ambulance service for many, many years I understand the challenges and issues and how we can resolve them together.

"Whilst it is not going to be easy, I know first-hand the commitment and dedication of those working in the ambulance service and that together we can make a real difference for patients.”

Sarah Boulton, trust chair, said: “Robert is an experienced ambulance chief executive who will be able to connect immediately with frontline staff and volunteers thanks to his paramedic and volunteering background.”