UK government's health care chief steps down amid scrutiny, overhaul plans

LONDON

Amanda Pritchard, the first woman chief executive of the National Health Service (NHS) in England, announced Tuesday that she is stepping down from her position.

Her departure comes just weeks after her suitability to lead the NHS through a period of major reforms was questioned by two influential House of Commons committees.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled plans for a massive overhaul of the NHS, aiming to cut maximum wait times for patients from 18 months to 18 weeks.

Pritchard, who took over the position in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, guided the NHS through one of its most challenging periods.

In her resignation statement, she described her decision as “hugely difficult” but said it had been a “privilege” to lead the NHS during such a pivotal time.

She emphasized that, after discussions with Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting, she believed the time was right to step down, given the NHS's significant progress in recovering from the pandemic.

The necessary changes have been implemented to best support the NHS going forward, she added.

Pritchard’s tenure had come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks.

The Public Accounts Committee criticized her, along with her deputy Julian Kelly and senior civil servants at the Department of Health and Social Care, accusing them of being "complacent" and lacking dynamism.

Additionally, members of the Health and Social Care Committee voiced disappointment at the “lengthy and diffuse answers” she and other officials gave during their questioning.

Her successor, James Mackey, will take over as interim chief executive of NHS England.

Before becoming chief executive, Pritchard was NHS England's chief operating officer, head of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust in London, and served as an adviser during Tony Blair's government.