Amanda Pritchard, the chief executive of NHS England, has decided to step down, marking a significant development for the health service. Her departure comes after discussions with Wes Streeting, the health secretary, about plans to overhaul NHS England and her own future role in the organization. The meeting between Pritchard and Streeting on Monday was pivotal, with sources indicating that Pritchard’s exit is amicable and not forced. The news is expected to be officially announced on Tuesday, portraying her decision to step down as voluntary after careful consideration.

However, Pritchard’s decision to leave follows criticism from two influential House of Commons committees. Just a month ago, these committees raised questions about her ability to lead the NHS through its most significant overhaul since its creation in 1948. They accused her, her deputy, and senior civil servants of being “complacent” and lacking the dynamism needed to transform the NHS. Pritchard will remain in her post until April, with James Mackey, the CEO of the Newcastle upon Tyne hospitals NHS trust, set to succeed her as interim chief executive.

Pritchard described her resignation as a “hugely difficult” decision but asserted it would enable her successor to lead the government’s upcoming 10-year NHS plan effectively. She highlighted the NHS’s innovations and reforms under her leadership, such as the establishment of community diagnostic centers, development of cancer vaccines, and increased adoption of the NHS app. Her departure comes as the health

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/feb/25/amanda-pritchard-quits-nhs-england-chief-executive