The city's largest hospital trust has appointed a new chief executive.
Eugine Yafele has been appointed as the new chief executive for University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW).
Mr Yafele joins UHBW - which runs the Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, St Michael's Hospital and Weston General, among others - from Dorset Health Care University Foundation Trust.
READ MORE: The only Bristol area that's still in the 'black zone' for Covid infection rates
In his time in Dorset, he led the trust to achieve a CQC rating of outstanding in his first year and, under his leadership, has seen the trust ranked amongst the top four in the annual staff survey for three consecutive years.
UHBW said in a statement: "A nurse by background, Eugine brings a wealth of experience across senior clinical and operational roles in the private sector and in acute and mental health organisations in the NHS.
"He is a Board member of NHS Employers Policy Board and Chair of NHS England and NHS Improvement South West Regional People Board.
"He is also currently the Senior Responsible Officer for the Out of Hospital Transformation programme, Urgent and Emergency Care Board and has led and supported elective recovery for the Dorset Integrated Care System."
Eugine takes over the role from Robert Woolley who is retiring at the end of March after a long career in the NHS spanning more than three decades, with 12 years leading the Trust.
Jayne Mee, UHBW chair, said: “I’m delighted that following a robust recruitment process we have appointed Eugine to be our next chief executive.
“Eugine brings with him a strong track record and has proved himself as an excellent CEO. It's clear he has a real passion and skill for nurturing talent at all levels of the organisation and brings extensive experience, knowledge and skills to lead UHBW on the next part of its journey."
Eugine said he felt privileged to be asked to lead UHBW, adding it is clear the Trust has such strong and committed people.
He said: "I’m excited to support and empower them in further developing an inclusive environment that values diversity and in which everyone thrives.
“UHBW has an inspiring vision, a strong set of values and clear ambitions and I will continue to build on these and work with partners across the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire system on the delivery of high quality care and interventions to improve the health and wellbeing of the people we serve.
“There are, of course, challenges ahead in terms of workforce pressures and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, I have no doubt that working with all of UHBW’s fantastic people and its partners we will rise to these challenges.
“I’m looking forward to leading UHBW on the next part of its journey.”
Want our best stories with fewer ads and alerts when the biggest news stories drop? Download our app on iPhone or Android
