A new chief executive will take over the troubled East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) a month after its former leader resigned.

Dorothy Hosein will step into the shoes of Robert Morton, who left the post a month after the Care Quality Commission said the service still "requires improvement".

She will be in the role until a substantive CEO can be appointed.

The Trust’s chairwoman Sarah Boulton said: “We’re really pleased we have been able to secure Dorothy for the future until we’re able to find a permanent CEO for EEAST.

"Her wealth of experience at partner trusts in our region and outside makes her a fantastic choice for EEAST as we work through the challenges that winter will bring, but also continue with the progress we’re all making in improved and compassionate care for patients.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported Robert throughout his three-year tenure, a period of EEAST’s life that has seen a focus on excellence in patient care, innovation through partnerships, securing millions of pounds of investment into EEAST, and much more."

Mrs Hosein won plaudits in the health sector when Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn was lifted out of special measures in 2015 under her leadership.

While her most recent position was as managing director at Mid Essex Hospital Trust, she does not have experience working in the ambulance sector.

Alex Mayer, MEP for Essex, welcomed the appointment.

She said: “I’m pleased that a name is already in the frame and it is someone who knows the East of England and NHS.

"However I very much hope that we don’t end up with a series of interim bosses.

"The embattled service needs a permanent CEO to sort out the problems there and properly support hardworking ambulance staff to carry out their life saving work.

“The East of England ambulance service has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons with whistleblower allegations of patient harm, the worst response times in England and daft ideas like using volunteers to drive ambulances.

”This is a tough job because at heart the Ambulance Trust’s problems are made in Downing Street.

"When the NHS and social care is so underfunded, we end up with queues at A&E and an increased workload for ambulances.

The service doesn’t just need a new CEO it needs a new government.”