AN AMBULANCE service boss is set to step down after more than a decade in charge.

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) chief executive, Will Hancock, has announced he will step down next year after 17 years in the position.

He hopes the early announcement will enable the trust to begin an open recruitment process and ensure a smooth transition of leadership ahead of the launch of a new five-year strategy and vision.

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In a message to staff, he said: "I am writing to let you know I will be leaving SCAS next year after 17 years of service.

"I am announcing this early so we can commence the process of openly recruiting a new chief executive with as much input from as many people as possible, and so that we have the time to secure the very best person to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.

"This is particularly important with SCAS at the start of a new and exciting five-year strategic journey, and I will of course continue to support you all in my role as CEO through this coming winter.

"It has been an honour and privilege to lead this amazing organisation and I am extremely grateful for all the support I had had from you and so many other incredible colleagues."

In June 2006, Mr Hancock led the merger of the four ambulance services covering Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire which established SCAS and has remained at the helm of the organisation, achieving Foundation Trust status in 2012.

In this time, the service transformed from a traditional emergency ambulance service to a modern healthcare provider, navigating the right care for patients through 999, NHS 111 and nonemergency patient transport services.

Mr Hancock also leads on mental health and wellbeing, as well as diversity and inclusion, across the UK ambulance sector on behalf of the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE).

He has led research and work in suicide prevention and the mental and physical wellbeing of ambulance staff and the paramedic profession.

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