The Royal United Hospitals (RUH) Bath NHS Foundation Trust, chief executive, James Scott has postponed his retirement to support his “fantastic staff” during the coronavirus outbreak.

Mr Scott was due to leave at the end of this month after nearly 13 year in the job, but has told staff he will continue on.

In a letter he said: “I am staying on to continue supporting the RUH during what continues to be an extremely challenging time across the NHS.

“We have a fantastic team here at the RUH and I am very proud to continue working alongside you.

“I know you are all working so hard, increasingly out of your usual routines and comfort zones. On behalf of our patients and our community, thank you.”

He also praised teams for the complex planning they have carried out, looking ahead to use staff skill, resources and spaces differently to maximise the care that can be provided.