Special measures ambulance trust chief to leave

Daren Mochrie, chief executive of South East Coast Ambulance Service Foundation Trust, will move to North West Ambulance Service Trust next spring.

Last week, the Care Quality Commission raised SECAmb’s rating to “requires improvement” after two years of being ”inadequate”. However, the CQC also said the trust should remain in special measures until there was more evidence changes had been embedded.

During his time at SECAmb, Mr Mochrie has also secured extra funding from commissioners and has stabilised the trust’s board.

SECAmb chair David Astley said: “While I was disappointed to hear of Daren’s decision, I am pleased that he has the opportunity to further his career by leading NWAS from next spring and we wish him every success.

“The fact that Daren has been recruited to such a major role reflects the high regard in which he is held nationally and is testament to the improvements he and everyone at SECAmb has made since he joined the trust.

“Daren has laid the foundations for our continued development and to further improve our services to the public. I know that he will continue this work, alongside our strong executive team, during his notice period.”

Mr Mochrie, who was previously director of service delivery for the Scottish Ambulance Service, added: “I am and will remain immensely proud of the real progress we have made at SECAmb during the past 18 months. I know that there is still more to do but as a trust we have already made significant steps forward and I know I will be leaving the trust with a strong leadership team who are committed to making this happen.

“I have not taken this decision lightly and have greatly enjoyed my time as chief executive of SECAmb. While the process to recruit my replacement is under way, I remain fully committed to SECAmb and look forward to working hard with my colleagues and the wider NHS on providing the best care possible to our patients.”

NWAS chair Wyn Dignan said: “We’re very pleased to be welcoming Daren to the trust, he has a wealth of experience within the NHS, and in particular the ambulance sector, and we look forward to continuing to provide the best care for our patients under Daren’s leadership.”

SECAmb’s hunt for a new chief executive is underway.