Following a robust recruitment process, South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) has appointed David Eltringham to the role of Chief Executive Officer, starting on Monday 6 March 2023. He will take over Chief Executive Officer/Accountable officer for SCAS on 1 April, following a three week handover from current Chief Executive Officer, Will Hancock.
For the last four and a half years David has been working as Managing Director at George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, Nuneaton, one of three District General Hospitals that make up the Foundation Group. Prior to this, David was Chief Operating Officer at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, during which time he also supported NHS Improvement Midlands & East, as Senior Winter Adviser.
David has a particularly strong patient focus, underpinned by his clinical background and active nurse registration. His considerable expertise in system wide urgent and emergency care will be extremely valuable in leading SCAS as it seeks to further integrate health and social care through its key role as care navigator.
David said: “I’m delighted to be joining South Central Ambulance Service as its new Chief Executive. Every part of the NHS is under significant pressure at the moment and SCAS is no exception. When I join the Trust in March, I’ll be focusing on making sure that we look after our patients and our staff to the highest standards. I am committed to developing those around me to be the very best that they can be. I think that my expertise in this area will be of great value to SCAS. I met some fantastic, skilled and committed people during the recruitment process and I can’t wait to become part of the team.”
Professor Sir Keith Willett CBE, Chair at SCAS, added: “I am excited to welcome David to the SCAS Board. He brings a wealth of experience, a passion for working with ambulance services and a strong track record in service improvement. This will certainly support SCAS in the delivery of its ambitious strategy and ultimately in the delivery of the best possible care for our patients and their families.”
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