Long-serving Chief Executive takes on new challenge
After six and a half years of dedicated service as the Chief Executive of Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Daniel Elkeles has been appointed as the Chief Executive of the London Ambulance Service (LAS).
Daniel will join LAS, which is the busiest ambulance service in the world, on secondment on 16 August 2021. Daniel said: “I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to the staff of Epsom and St Helier, and to our patients and local residents who have offered invaluable support and feedback over the course of the past six and a half years. The Trust has been on quite a journey over that time, and I am genuinely proud of the improvements we have delivered.
“LAS plays a vital role in providing care for London’s population of nearly nine million people. I look forward to joining the team and to helping to shape its future strategy, including ensuring staff and volunteers receive the best possible support after what has been the most challenging year in the NHS’s history.”
During his time at Epsom and St Helier hospitals, Daniel has led on plans, and secured funding, to build a brand new Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Sutton. He has also overseen a significant improvement in patient care, quality, finance and leadership, culminating in the organisation being rated as Good by the CQC. Daniel has also led on many initiatives to improve culture and morale, resulting in Epsom and St Helier having strong scores in the staff survey in measures about equality, diversity and inclusion, as well as staff health and wellbeing.
Sir David Sloman, Regional Director for the NHS in London, said: “On behalf of the NHS in London, I would like to personally congratulate Daniel Elkeles on his appointment on secondment as chief executive at London Ambulance Service NHS Trust. Daniel is an experienced leader who has been pivotal in securing support for a new specialist emergency care hospital in Sutton which will ensure that local people can access the care they need. I look forward to working with and supporting Daniel in his new role.”
Epsom and St Helier Chairman, Gillian Norton OBE, said: “Daniel has done an incredible job at Epsom and St Helier, and helped us to deliver significant improvements in a number of vital areas, from the quality of care we provide for patients to the culture and morale of this 7,000-strong workforce. I know he will be greatly missed at Epsom and St Helier, but it is reassuring to know that his extensive skill set has been recognised by LAS, and he will be able to bring a wealth of experience to their organisation.”
Heather Lawrence OBE, Trust Chair of LAS, said: “I am delighted to announce Daniel’s appointment as Chief Executive of the London Ambulance Service. Daniel has significant experience of working in and developing large NHS organisations.
“Daniel’s commitment to supporting and improving the welfare and wellbeing of staff and volunteers is well known, including developing a culture where people feel valued and respected.
“Daniel’s experience of securing major investment to modernise organisations will be key as we develop and deliver plans to invest in new buildings, vehicles, equipment and technology across our service.”
The Joint Medical Directors and Deputy Chief Executives at Epsom and St Helier, Dr Ruth Charlton and Dr James Marsh will deputise while future leadership arrangements are agreed.
