THE acting chief executive for Hampshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust is to take on the top role permanently.

Claire Severgnini, pictured above, was covering the position after the sacking of former chief executive Richard Mawson in May.

But she has now been appointed as the new chief executive and takes up the post this week.

Mrs Severgnini was previously the director of NHS Direct Hampshire and Isle of Wight.

She said: "I have some clear views on how the trust can be improved to ensure that staff are recognised and valued for the good work that they do for the trust while ensuring that we offer first-class patient care to the population of Hampshire."

It is hoped the appointment of Mrs Severgnini will be a new start for the troubled trust.

It was severely criticised in a report by health watchdog the Commission for Health Improvement for its lack of communication among staff.

The organisation received none out of a possible three stars in the latest performance tables and was also knocked for putting too much emphasis on reaching 75 per cent of category A - or life-saving - calls within eight minutes, while neglecting other targets.