AN ambulance service chief executive has announced his intention to leave the role after leading the trust through Covid.

Will Warrender CBE was appointed chief executive of South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and led the organisation for more than three years.

The former Rear Admiral, who served 32 years in the Royal Navy, is also the national lead for employee wellbeing and suicide prevention at the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE).

Mr Warrender's early announcement means that the comprehensive process to appoint a new Chief Executive will now begin.

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Stephen Otter, chair of the trust, thanked Mr Warrender for his dedication to public service and wished him well in his next chapter.

He said: "Will has dedicated his career to public service and his unwavering commitment in the South West has been respected and welcomed by staff, patients and partners alike.

"This approach has led and enabled any of the improvements we have seen in the most adverse circumstances and pressure following the COVID-19 pandemic."

Salisbury Journal: Will Warrender was appointed during the height of the pandemic.Will Warrender was appointed during the height of the pandemic. (Image: Spencer Mulholland)

Mr Warrender said leading the organisation has been an "immense privilege", adding: "The journey we have been on in this time is extraordinary and I am proud of the way we have handled the impact and aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, together with other pressures facing urgent and emergency care in the South West.

“We have a new, five-year strategy and a robust plan in place which is starting to deliver palpable improvements in the care we provide to patients across the region.

"On a personal level I feel it is now the right time for me to move on and hand over the reins to my successor to lead the organisation through the next chapter of its development."

Mr Warrender thanked every member of the trust and the volunteers.

"My thanks to all of our partners across emergency services and the health and care systems in the South West who contribute to a system approach that is critical to the services we provide to our patients and communities.

"I would also like to thank regional colleagues who helped me to make the transition from a different part of the public sector to the NHS."