Amanda Pritchard has announced her decision to step down as Chief Executive of NHS England in April.
The first woman in the health service’s history to hold the post has been at the helm since August 2021, moving up from Chief Operating Officer since 2019.
Having discussed this with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care over recent months – now that the NHS has turned a corner on recovery from the pandemic and the foundations are in place to make the necessary changes to the centre to best support the wider NHS – Pritchard has decided now is the right time to stand down.
“It has been an enormous privilege to lead the NHS in England through what has undoubtedly been the most difficult period in its history,” Pritchard said.
“We always knew the recovery period after a once-in-a-century pandemic was going to be incredibly challenging, and whilst the timeliness and experience of care is still not good enough for too many people, the NHS has achieved a great deal in the face of historic pressure thanks to a relentless focus on innovation and reform,” the outgoing Chief Executive added.
We always knew the recovery period after a once-in-a-century pandemic was going to be incredibly challenging
The Guardian has reported that sources say this decision is “amicable” and that she has not been forced out.
Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said: “Amanda can be enormously proud of the leadership she has given in the face of the biggest health emergency for our country in modern history.”
However, there have been concerns in recent months about Pritchard’s approach to the job.
There is a lack of fresh thinking and decisive action within NHS England and DHSC paired with overly optimistic planning assumptions
The Public Accounts Committee published a report at the end of January that stated there was a: “lack of fresh thinking and decisive action within NHS England and Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) paired with overly optimistic planning assumptions as financial position continues to worsen”.
At the start of the next financial year, Sir James (Jim) Mackey will be taking over as Transition CEO of NHS England. Mackey will be working closely with Amanda for the next month before taking up post formally on 1 April.
Mackey will step in on a secondment basis, with a remit to radically reshape how NHS England and DHSC work together.
The incoming Chief Exectuive said: “I have always been very proud to work for the NHS and it will be an honour to lead the service through the next phase as we radically reshape the role of NHS England and work with the Government to build an NHS that is fit for the future through the 10 Year Health Plan.”
Top image: NHS England chief executive visits Royal Free Hospital in January where she announced a new strategy for planned care across the country
Image credit: Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust