A former NHS executive is joining Liverpool medical diagnostics firm Dam Health as its new chief operating officer. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool medical diagnostics firm DAM Health has recruited former NHS executive James Stevens as its new chief operating officer.

Mr Stevens was Spent more than 15 years of his career in emergency medicine in South England, mainly Redhill and Reading and North West. He later moved into management roles.

He held titles such as business performance manager, divisional director and finally head of operations at the Countess of Chester Hospital. The hospital treats more than 425,000 patients each year and has over 3,000 employees.

“I was overseeing everything that functions within the hospital, from A&E right the way through to discharge as well as ambulances, CCT and external partners and everything in between,” said Mr Stevens.

“I decided I then wanted a change and, through a colleague, heard about the project at DAM Health.”

DAM grew rapidly during the COVID pandemic and operates more than 40 clinics in the UK, leading in providing medical supplies and diagnostics. It has also expanded into Spain, Mexico and New Zealand. Founder Professor Frank Joseph is a leading NHS physician from Hoylake.

Mr Stevens added: “I worked with Frank Joseph at the Countess of Chester and noticed DAM is different from other private medical providers where you have to pay £5,000 for a hip operation.

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“With DAM, it is very much about looking at what the NHS is struggling with and supporting them, be it minor procedures, ECGs, diagnostics or even GP access.

“We have established a virtual GP service, where those at home can book, for less than £50, a consultation with a virtual GP. We are not talking about hundreds and hundreds of pounds. 

“It is about the regular patient who cannot get a GP appointment for two to three weeks, and does not want to turn up at A&E. Someone who could get a consultation for peace of mind and reassurance for a reasonable price. 

As chief operating officer, he will be responsible for the leadership and management of professional issues associated with the medical workforce and the service provisions.