University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust appoints new Chief Executive

Eugine Yafele has been appointed as the new Chief Executive for University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW).

Eugine joins UHBW from Dorset HealthCare University Foundation Trust, where he led the Trust to achieve a CQC rating of Outstanding in his first year as Chief Executive and, under his leadership, has seen the Trust ranked amongst the top 4 in the annual staff survey for 3 consecutive years – with the best scores nationally for staff engagement and empowerment.

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 and distinguished 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.

“Robert will leave a strong legacy when he retires, he has proved himself time and again to be a superb leader with a tireless commitment to our staff and patients, and he’s led our organisation through the most challenging period we and the rest of the NHS have ever faced in the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m confident that Robert will be passing the reins to another hugely capable leader in Eugine.”

Eugine has a strong reputation and is known for his strategic intellect and values driven, collaborative approach.

Eugine said:

“I feel privileged to be asked to lead UHBW. It’s clear to see the Trust has such strong and committed people and 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.”