New chairman for Great Western Ambulance Service

A former boss of department store chain Debenhams is to be the next non-executive chairman of Great Western Ambulance Service.

Peter Carr takes up his four-year appointment on 1 April with the service which covers Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and the greater Bristol area.

Chief executive Martin Flaherty said Mr Carr's arrival takes place at a time of "major change" within the service.

Mr Carr, who lives in Devizes, takes over the position from Tony FitzSimons.

"Peter's arrival is at a time of further major changes within the organisation, including the aim to becoming a foundation trust," Mr Flaherty said.

"I am sure that the leadership he will bring coupled with his considerable executive level experience across many organisations will be of huge benefit to the trust," he added.

Mr Carr, a former managing director of the Debenhams chain, will be paid £18,437 a year for the position.