The under-performing East of England Ambulance Service has its third different chairman in the space of a year following the appointment of a former strategic health authority chairman.

Sarah Boulton, who lost her job as chairman at the defunct NHS Midlands and East Strategic Health Authority following a major restructure of the NHS last year, has today been announced as the new interim chairman of the ambulance trust.

Her appointment comes after the resignation of interim chairman Geoff Harris in January and the resignation of Maria Ball last March following a damning Care Quality Commission report.

Ms Boulton, who will receive a £37,146 salary, has a background in business and finance having worked as a business and management lecturer and more recently as a management consultant advising on strategy, change and board development.

She said: 'This is a great opportunity to work with the board, staff and volunteers at the East of England Ambulance Service and be part of the team to improve the service. This is going to take time but having met with the new chief executive, I am pleased with the actions which have already been put in place and the progress being made. I look forward to working with the trust board and engaging with staff and stakeholders to deliver the improvements needed.'

Anthony Marsh, chief executive of the East of England Ambulance Service, said: 'I am delighted that Sarah is joining the trust as chairman. She brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the service and I look forward to working with her as we make changes, better support staff and improve services to patients.'

The NHS Trust Development Authority will be launching the recruitment process for a permanent chairman in the next few weeks.