Ambulance trust chief executive leaves after 111 call handling scandal

The chief executive of the ambulance trust serving Brighton and Hove has left in the wake of the 111 call-handling scandal.

Paul Sutton has left his post at the South East Coast Ambulance Service to “pursue other interests”.

 

A critical report suggested that Mr Sutton was responsible for a secret policy that breached the rules for handling calls for an ambulance.

Ambulance chiefs were suspected of trying to make the trust’s performance appear better than it was.

They said that they were trying to prioritise patients more efficiently.
The trust chairman Tony Thorne resigned in March.

The ambulance trust said this morning (Tuesday 31 May): “South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust announces that chief executive Paul Sutton has now left the trust to pursue other interests.

“The trust would like to thank Paul for his contribution to the developments and achievements of the trust over the past 10 years.

“The process for finding a permanent replacement will start immediately and will be subject to further announcements as appropriate.

“In the interim period, Geraint Davies will continue as acting chief executive.”