Daniel Elkeles has been appointed the permanent Chief Executive of the trust after joining the service in August last year.
The Chair of the London Ambulance Service (LAS), Heather Lawrence OBE announced Daniels new role after a vigorous interview process including a panel made of from representatives from within the organisation.
Heather Lawrence OBE, Trust Chair, said: “I am delighted to announce Daniel’s permanent appointment as Chief Executive following a rigorous interview process.
“Daniel joined the Service at a very challenging time and has led us through the latest wave of the COVID-19 pandemic which saw demand for our services increase dramatically, combined with significant levels of staff and volunteer sickness and isolations. Working with teams from across the Service, he has supported our staff and volunteers to rise to the challenge and, despite the pressure, deliver the best possible care for our patients.
“Not only that but in the six months since he joined us, Daniel has proved a genuine drive to protect the health and wellbeing of our teams, kick-starting a dedicated programme of work with all of our staff that is designed to improve working lives and make LAS an even better place to work.
“Daniel has already made a positive impact on our staff and Service, and as he takes up the mantle of the permanent position, we can be confident that is set to continue.”
LAS answers more emergency calls than any other ambulance service in the UK, with crews attending over 3000 emergencies a day.
The ambulance service are the only NHS providers to serve all of London, covering over 620 square miles with an average response time of seven minutes.
Daniel Elkeles said: “London Ambulance Service plays a vital role in providing care for nearly nine million people across the capital, and it as an absolute honour to serve as the Chief Executive of this incredible organisation.
“I am very passionate about the future strategy for LAS, including ensuring staff and volunteers receive the best possible support after what has been the most challenging couple of years in the NHS’s history.”
Daniel has worked within the NHS for over 25 years and will be leading the 8,000 colleagues currently working or volunteering for the service.
