NEAS appoints Yvonne Ormston as new Chief Executive

NEAS Yvonne OrmstonThe North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) has announced the appointment of Yvonne Ormston as its new Chief Executive. 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.

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.”

Yvonne will officially take up the appointment on 1 October 2014.