NHS Race and Health Observatory Announces New Board Member

The Chief Executive of University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Eugine Yafele, has been appointed as a new Board member of the NHS Race and Health Observatory. Eugine will ensure a continued focus on acute delivery as the previous acute expert Board member Patricia Miller has taken on a new role.

The appointment, announced at a quarterly Board meeting today, will see Eugine join 15 board members of the independent health body, led by Chair Marie Gabriel CBE.

A mental health 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. Significantly, Eugine led Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation to a Care Quality Commission of “outstanding” and ensured it maintained its ranking as one of the top four Trusts in the country in the annual NHS staff survey, including best performance for staff engagement.

In April 2022, Eugine was rated number one CEO in the Health Service Journal’s annual ranking of top provider trust chiefs, he was also listed in the publication’s 2021 vote of the 50 most influential Black, Asian and minority ethnic people in health listing. 

Eugine said: “I am honoured to join the Board of the NHS Race and Health Observatory and absolutely determined to close gaps in experience and health outcomes that persist for people because of their race.”

Marie Gabriel, Observatory chair, said: “I am delighted that Eugine has joined the Board, it is clear that he brings a wealth of experience and networks to the Board, along with his commitment to equity and his excellent track record as a CEO.”

She added, “My thanks to Patricia who we will continue to work with as an ICS Chief Executive and as someone who has a specific interest in workforce equity.”

Eugine also holds a number of other roles and is a board member of the NHS Employers Policy Board and chair of the NHS England South West Regional People Board.  Eugine holds a BSc in Financial Economics and an MBA from Warwick Business School.