Eames began his NHS career as a trainee at Batley and District General Hospital in 1973. Over his 52-year career, he has lead complex organisations and systems through major strategic change, delivered several large-scale organisational mergers in acute and mental health services, lead high profile turnarounds, established the first Integrated Care Trust in England and pioneered integrated care systems.

Eames, who was awarded a CBE for services to the NHS in 2019, has led NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB since its inception.

He said: ‘I've been honoured and privileged to have spent my entire working life in the NHS, alongside some wonderful colleagues. As the NHS reforms, and the renewed direction for ICBs becomes clearer as strategic commissioners, I feel that it's time to bring in new leadership to shape and drive the ambition for the future. I have therefore taken the decision to retire.'

Eames added: 'I am extremely proud of the achievements of NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB as well as the wider health and care partnership. Our ambition to achieve better outcomes for the people we serve and in particular, in addressing the inequalities faced by our most underserved communities has been our greatest achievement.'