ONE of the region's leading figures in the NHS has been made an MBE.

Yvonne Ormston, chief executive of the North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, has been recognised for services to the NHS in a 33 year career.

She said: “I am honoured to have received this award and have loved working throughout my career in the NHS to develop and support patient care. This award is as much a recognition for those who have helped and supported me throughout the years. It is a real privilege to work alongside such dedicated people in the health service and no more so than in the ambulance service today. The dedication and commitment of the staff at NEAS is a testament to the fantastic service we have in our region.”

She joined the NHS in 1985, working within a community unit in Newcastle to provide residential care for people with learning disabilities, and held various roles in the region before joining the North East Ambulance Service in October 2014.

Chairman Peter Strachan said: “Yvonne is a tremendous asset to the NHS and, in particular, the ambulance sector. She has assured a focus on providing high quality, compassionate care to our patients. She has achieved this by working tirelessly for the benefits of the service and patients, forming new strategic partnerships and embedding values of compassion and care.”