Stephen Otter to step down as Trust Chair
Stephen Otter has announced his intention to step down as Chair of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust to take up a rare job opportunity overseas.
Since joining the Trust as Chair in January last year, a five-year strategy has been published which is already delivering improvements, alongside a new Trust vision and values and a renewed commitment to continuously improving care for patients across the South West.
Stephen Otter, Chair of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: “My decision to step down from my role as Chair of the Trust has not been easy, but following careful consideration, I have decided that the time is right to take up the rare and unexpected opportunity of a position overseas.
“Since joining the Trust in January last year, I have been hugely encouraged by the dedication and commitment I have seen from people across the organisation to patients across the South West. The new strategic direction for the Trust set out in our five-year strategy published last spring is already delivering improvements. While there is more to do, I have full confidence that the Trust will continue to deliver on the commitments made in the strategy and our vision that together, we will deliver the best care when patients need us most, under the strong leadership of John Martin and the wider senior leadership team.
“I was delighted to be able to announce John’s appointment as substantive Chief Executive of the Trust earlier this week, following a robust recruitment process. John is a highly experienced leader with a wealth of clinical and operational experience across the NHS and the organisation is in capable hands going forward.”
Dr John Martin, Chief Executive of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I would like to thank Stephen for his significant contribution as Chair of the Trust and his commitment to improving patient care.
“It is great to join an organisation with a clear strategic direction, strong vision and values and I look forward to continuing to work closely with colleagues and partners to ensure delivery of the Trust Strategy and vision that together, we will deliver the best care when people need us most. I wish Stephen all the very best for the future.”
The Trust Council of Governors will now start the process to recruit and appoint an Interim Chair, ahead of the recruitment of a substantive Chair in due course.