South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust’s (SECAmb) Executive Director of Nursing and Quality has confirmed that she will leave the trust for a role outside of the NHS. The date of her departure is yet to be announced.
Bethan Eaton-Haskins has been the trust’s lead director for its response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has overseen the trust receive a “good” score from the Care Quality Commission, in August of 2019. In December of 2020, Bethan received an MBE from the Queen, in the New Year’s Honours list, in recognition of her leadership shown during the pandemic.
SECAmb Chief Executive, Philip Astle, said: “Bethan will undoubtedly be a loss to SECAmb. She has contributed a huge amount since her arrival and, as our Lead Director for COVID-19, has been and remains instrumental to our response to the pandemic. I am extremely grateful for the exemplary way she has helped to lead SECAmb through this unprecedented challenge.”
The recruitment process for a replacement Executive Director of Nursing and Quality has already started.
Bethan Eaton-Hawkins said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at SECAmb and this has not been an easy decision. I have worked with so many fantastic people, but I personally feel that it is the right time for me to make a change. I will always be incredibly proud to say I worked for the ambulance service and I am in awe at the way everyone has risen to the challenges of the pandemic.”
In June, SECAmb announced that David Ruiz-Celada will join the trust as an Executive Director of Planning and Business Development, and will formally begin his role in September.
SECAmb Chief Executive Officer Philip Astle said: “I am really pleased to have appointed David to this important role and I am confident his character, personality and experience will prove hugely beneficial to SECAmb. I would like to formally welcome him ahead of his arrival in September and look forward to working closely with him in future.”
