Amanda Pritchard is stepping down as chief executive of NHS England, marking a significant shift in the leadership of the UK’s healthcare system. Her departure comes after three and a half years in the role and follows recent discussions with Health Secretary Wes Streeting about his plans for a major NHS overhaul.
Government sources insist her resignation is amicable, with no pressure for her to leave. An official announcement is expected on Tuesday afternoon, framing the decision as a voluntary step after careful consideration.
Criticism From MPs Preceded Pritchard’s Departure
Pritchard’s exit follows recent scrutiny from two parliamentary committees, which raised concerns about her ability to lead the NHS through what Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Streeting have described as the most significant reform of the NHS since its inception in 1948.
The Public Accounts Committee accused Pritchard and senior NHS officials of being “complacent” and lacking dynamism. Meanwhile, the Health and Social Care Committee questioned her ability to deliver urgent reforms, stating that her responses lacked the “sharpness” needed to drive transformation.
Despite these criticisms, Pritchard defended her tenure, highlighting key NHS achievements under her leadership, including:
• The creation of community diagnostic centres
• Progress in cancer vaccine development
• Increased adoption of the NHS app, improving patient access to healthcare services
James Mackey to Take Over as Interim NHS Chief
Pritchard will remain in her position until April, after which James Mackey, the chief executive of Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, will step in as interim NHS England chief executive.
Mackey, a well-respected figure in the NHS, is seen as a strong candidate for the permanent role. Health experts believe his leadership could align closely with Streeting’s vision for a faster, more effective NHS reform.
Streeting Pushes for NHS Overhaul
Since becoming health secretary in July, Streeting has been actively reshaping NHS leadership to accelerate his “three big shifts” in NHS operations.
His restructuring efforts have included:
• Replacing Richard Meddings as NHS England’s chair with Dr Penny Dash, a pro-reform advocate
• Appointing Alan Milburn, former Health Secretary under Tony Blair, as the Department of Health’s lead non-executive director
Streeting acknowledged Pritchard’s contributions but signaled a need for new leadership to drive NHS transformation:
“Amanda has led with integrity and unwavering commitment and can be enormously proud of her role in leading the NHS through much of the Covid pandemic. But we need new leadership for a new era.”
What’s Next for the NHS?
The upcoming 10-year NHS plan, set to launch alongside the new financial year, is expected to lay out Labour’s strategy to “fix” the NHS, focusing on:
• Reducing treatment waiting times
• Expanding community-based healthcare
• Strengthening preventative care initiatives
With public expectations high and polls consistently ranking NHS reform as the UK’s top priority, the coming months will be pivotal in shaping the future of healthcare in England.
