Welsh Ambulance Service Welcomes Emma Wood as New Chief Executive

The Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust has appointed Emma Wood as its new Chief Executive, effective early October 2023. Wood transitions from her role as Chief People Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust. With nearly 20 years of experience in both public and private sectors, she brings extensive leadership expertise, including significant positions within the NHS and emergency services.

Wood’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the Welsh Ambulance Service, which has been focused on transforming its services to better meet the needs of the community. In her first statement as Chief Executive, she expressed enthusiasm for her new role and the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing development of the organisation.

“It’s a real honour to be joining the Welsh Ambulance Service at such a pivotal moment in its journey,” Wood stated. She acknowledged the substantial progress the Trust has already made and expressed eagerness to build on that foundation. Wood highlighted the potential for further innovation to enhance the quality of care provided to the people of Wales.

A key priority for Wood is creating an environment where staff can thrive, which she believes is essential for delivering excellent patient care. She added, “I’m passionate about enhancing colleague experience as a key driver of excellent patient care.”

The appointment was welcomed by Colin Dennis, Chair of the Trust, who noted the competitive nature of the recruitment process. “We are delighted to welcome Emma to the organisation following a highly competitive recruitment process,” Dennis said. He emphasized the quality of candidates, stating that Wood stood out as an exceptional choice due to her extensive leadership experience and her commitment to service improvement.

Dennis expressed confidence that Wood’s values and inclusive leadership style will advance the organisation’s goals and contribute to broader improvements within NHS Wales.

As she prepares to take on her new responsibilities, Wood looks forward to collaborating with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders to shape the future of the Trust and continue to serve the communities of Wales effectively.