A NEW boss has taken over as chief executive of the troubled East of England Ambulance Service.

Tom Abell joined the service from Mid and South Essex NHS Trust, where he was deputy chief executive.

He takes over from deputy chief executive and medical director Dr Tom Davis, who had led the service as interim chief executive since last September.

Mr Abell has extensive NHS experience having held a variety of senior roles across the region.

This includes deputy chief executive and chief transformation officer at Mid Essex Hospitals, Southend University Hospital and Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals.

He has also worked in commissioning and was director of service improvement at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust.

In July the ambulance service was told it could no longer train its own apprentices after inspectors said a "significant minority" had experienced inappropriate behaviour.

There have also been allegations of sexual misconduct against staff and abuse of staff and patients.

Mr Abell said: “I recognise that we have some major problems that we need to tackle – particularly how our people treat each other.

"We have too many examples of poor behaviour and it must be brought to an end. Let me formally underline my commitment to turn this around.

“We also need to keep working with our communities and partners to create a modern ambulance service which is fit for the 21st Century. I look forward to continuing to build on the good work which is already underway.

“Although we have many challenges, including how we respond to the incredible demand we are seeing for our services, I truly believe we have the opportunity to make our own future. By working together with partners, we can be bolder and stronger.”

Ambulance service chairman Nicola Scrivings said: “I am delighted to welcome Tom to the trust.

"With substantial NHS leadership experience in acute, mental health and commissioning, Tom brings a wealth of expertise to the position of CEO along with the experience and drive to deliver real improvements for our patients and staff.”