Former Australian ambulance chief to lead East of England Trust

A former paramedic who has led ambulance services in Ireland and Australia has been named as the new head of the East of England Ambulance Service.

Robert Morton will take up the role later this month, replacing former chief executive Dr Anthony Marsh, who announced his departure on Monday.

A trained paramedic and community first responder, Mr Morton worked predominantly with the Irish National Ambulance Service, where he served as chief executive for three years.

He then moved down under to lead the South Australian Ambulance Service, resigning after 18 months in the job.

He said: “I am thrilled to be the new chief executive and very much look forward to working with my new EEAST colleagues.

“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 an even better place to work.”

His predecessor combined the role with his work as head of the West Midlands Ambulance Service and was heavily criticised over his expenses claims, claiming 20 nights at the £215-a-night Pullman hotel in St Pancras, as well as £10,000 in taxi and car costs.

However a petition calling him to stay on at the end of his temporary contract was signed by more than 700 people, including Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner.

Mr Morton added: “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, chair of the East of England Ambulance Service Trust, said: “I am delighted Robert is going to lead our trust as we look to make further improvements to the service we give to patients.

“Robert is an experienced ambulance chief executive who will be able to connect immediately with front line staff and volunteers thanks to his paramedic and volunteering background.

“I would like to pay special thanks to Anthony who has worked tirelessly to rebuild the service since last January.

“Thanks to this work, we are now in a position to take the next steps on our journey, building a better service for patients and staff.”

The Trust’s deputy chief executive Sandy Brown will continue to lead until Mr Morton takes up the chief executive post on August 24.