THE chief of the Welsh ambulance service is to step down at the end of the month due to health reasons.

Elwyn Price-Morris will be stepping down from his post as chief executive of the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust on 30 September 2014.

A spokesman for the trust said; "Mr Price-Morris has been suffering with serious health problems for the past six months and has now accepted medical advice that he needs to take time away from the workplace in order that the situation can be properly assessed and that the necessary steps can be taken to improve his health."

He added Mr Price-Morris will not be returning to the Chief Executive’s post once his health issues are resolved. The current Deputy Chief Executive of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Tracy Myhill, will succeed Elwyn as Chief Executive for a period of 12-18 months until a permanent replacement is chosen.

Mick Giannasi, the Trust’s Chairman said: “Elwyn has led the Trust very ably for the last four years and has made a significant contribution to the development of the organisation during that time. Whilst there are still significant challenges to be addressed, not least the need to improve current levels of performance, he leaves the organisation in a stronger position than he took it over. I wish him every success in what he ultimately decides to do in the future but for now, resolving his health issues has to be his number one priority.”

Tracy Myhill said: “I feel privileged to have the opportunity to lead the Trust at this time and look forward to building on the progress made by Elwyn, the team and staff at the organisation. The Welsh Ambulance Service is a vital and highly valued service for the people of Wales and I look forward to focusing my time and attention, working with others, on the challenges needing to be addressed, so that the service we provide is highly regarded by all.”