East Of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) Announces The Appointment Of Tom Abell As Its New Chief Executive

Following a competitive recruitment process, the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) has appointed Tom Abell as its new permanent Chief Executive. Tom Abell, who was earlier serving as the Deputy Chief Executive at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, will formally take up his new role as Chief Executive at EEAST in the autumn.

Announcing the appointment, East of England Ambulance Service’s Chair Nicola Scrivings, said “Tom brings significant experience in the NHS and just as importantly, has been a key part in building a positive culture for staff. These qualities will be central to building and leading a stable and successful executive team, to continue to improve our culture for our valued staff, and maintain high-quality services for our patients.”

New Chief Executive appointed

Many staff have spoken up recently about how the culture needs to change"

In a message to the East of England Ambulance Service’s staff, Tom Abell said “I’m delighted to have been appointed as Chief Executive. Having grown up in Norfolk and spent the vast majority of my career working across the East of England, I know the difference our staff make to the people we serve. I also know that, despite the professional and personal challenges we have all faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, EEAST has performed incredibly well operationally.”

Tom Abell adds, “Many staff have spoken up recently about how the culture needs to change. Work has already begun to create positive change at EEAST and as Chief Executive, a key part of my role will be to support and equip staff to drive the improvements we want to see. These changes are ultimately the best way to make sure we provide excellent care to everyone in the East of England for the long-term.”

Chair Nicola Scrivings also thanked the East of England Ambulance Service’s Deputy Chief Executive and Medical Director, Dr. Tom Davis, for leading the service as interim Chief Executive since September 2020. Dr. Davis will return to these roles once Tom Abell starts in his new position.