David Whiting is to be the new chief executive for the Great Western Ambulance Service.

Mr Whiting joins GWAS from East Midlands Ambulance Service, one of the highest performing ambulance trusts in the country, where he is currently the Director of Operations. He has more than 20 years in ambulance services and is a qualified paramedic. He will take up the chief executive post on 1st April, 2009. GWAS Chairman Tony FitzSimons said: “I am very pleased to welcome David to the Great Western Ambulance Service.

"This is a great opportunity for our Trust. He has extensive experience in the ambulance service and has been extremely successful at East Midlands Ambulance Service. I look forward to working with him for the benefit of our patients across the three counties.

“Great Western Ambulance Service has come a long way over the last few months. The board and I are confident that David’s appointment gives us the strongest leadership possible to carry on this good work and take up the national challenge for ambulance services as we transform the way we deliver emergency and urgent care.”

Mr Whiting saiod: “Modern ambulances services are working hard to meet the changing needs and expectations of patients. I know GWAS is an ambitious ambulance trust, and we will build our responsiveness so that we deliver more for patients.

"I’ll ensure that we play a strong role in expanding the care provided by the trust so that patients benefit from all our work.

“The emergency services are a special place to work, and I am proud to have been appointed chief executive of Great Western Ambulance Service.”

The post is occupiedon an interim basis by West Midlands Chief Executive Anthony Marsh. Mr Marsh will leave the Trust on 31 March.