South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust has thanked Chief Executive Simon Weldon for his leadership after he stepped down from the role on Friday, 17 April. South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
During his three-year tenure, the Trust says it made major progress and improvements under his leadership.
Mr Weldon took over in April 2023, shortly after the service was rated Inadequate and placed into special measures following a Care Quality Commission inspection in 2022. He introduced a clinically led five-year strategy, which the Trust says provided a clear plan for the future.
That strategy helped secure a major milestone in March 2025 when NHS England confirmed the ambulance service would exit special measures after a period of sustained improvement.
The Trust says recent inspections of its Urgent and Emergency Care operations and Emergency Operations Centres recognised a more consistent and confident organisation, with a stronger focus on delivering safe, high-quality care. Final reports are still awaited.
SECAmb also says it has continued to perform strongly against national benchmarks, with cardiac arrest survival rates among the best in the country and emergency response performance remaining consistently strong.
The organisation added that staff survey results have improved over the past three years, with more colleagues saying they feel listened to, supported and optimistic about the future.
Chair Michael Whitehouse paid tribute to Mr Weldon’s contribution.
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Simon for his exceptional leadership and service to SECAmb. He joined the organisation at a very difficult time and has led with integrity, determination and clarity of purpose.
“The progress made over the past three years reflects his leadership and, crucially, the commitment, professionalism and resilience of our staff. He leaves the Trust in a far stronger position and well placed for the future.”
Anne Eden, NHS England Regional Director, said: “Simon has led SECAmb with clarity, compassion and a deep commitment to patients and staff. The progress the Trust has made over the past three years is significant and hard-won, and it reflects both his leadership and the dedication of colleagues across the organisation and we are very grateful for his service."
Jen Allan will now take over as Interim Chief Executive.
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