The chief executive of the region's ambulance trust has announced he will be leaving his post later this summer.

Tom Abell, who has been in the top role at the East of England Ambulance Service Trust since 2021, is stepping down in July.

Announcing his departure, the trust confirmed that his current deputy, Kate Vaughton, will take over while EEAST recruits a permanent replacement.

Mr Abell joined the trust from the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, where he was deputy chief executive - and will be returning to that region in his new role.

He has now been appointed chief executive of the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board.

He said: "It has been a tremendous privilege to be CEO and work with amazing people every day.

"EEAST is a much better place to work today than when I joined and we, as a team, have really improved our focus on the care we provide to our patients."

Mrunal Sisodia, chairman of EEAST, said: "Tom leaves us in a strong position and I am confident we will maintain our momentum and continue to improve services."