Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust boss sets out priorities

Mr Eames had served as interim chief executive of Mid Yorkshire Hospitals Trust, which runs Dewsbury and District Hospital, since March 2012.

Now he has been named chief executive after a competitive process.

Trust chairman Jules Preston said: “We are delighted to have appointed Stephen. He brings with him expansive experience in setting and achieving high standards in health care delivery.”

Mr Eames, who started his NHS career in Dewsbury, said he had five aims for the Trust for the next two to three years.

He said: “First of all, I would like to see us make sure that all our services to patients are equal to the best or better.”

He said wanted to remove any avoidable harm to patients as far as possible, and make further progress towards balancing the Trust’s books.

Helping staff to progress their careers and develop their skills was also a priority.

The last was focusing on patient experience.

Mr Eames said: “We do meet the expectation of many of our patients, but we don’t for all. Things like appointments, access – we still haven’t got that all right.

“If we’re going to be really successful, we’ve got to surpass those basic expectations at every level.”