AMANDA PTITCHARD, the first female chief executive of NHS England, is stepping down from her role.'
She announced her decision in a statement, calling it a "hugely difficult decision" but saying it was the right time to leave.
Pritchard took up the position in 2021, having previously served as NHS England’s chief operating officer and head of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust.
Her tenure included overseeing the NHS’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent recovery efforts.
Her departure comes as the government prepares for major reforms to NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care.
She stated that the "step change required" to implement these reforms would be best led by new leadership.
BBC sources have indicated that the government wants NHS England to be more closely aligned with the Department of Health, shifting focus from hospitals to community care.
Health secretary Wes Streeting thanked Pritchard for her leadership during what he described as the biggest health emergency in modern history.
NHS England chairman Richard Meddings called her departure a "huge loss," crediting her with guiding the NHS through pandemic recovery, staff strikes, and winter pressures.
Her resignation follows scrutiny from parliamentary committees, with MPs expressing frustration over her responses in hearings.
Sir James Mackey, chief executive of Newcastle Hospitals, will take over as interim head of NHS England. He said he was honoured to lead the organisation through the next phase of reform.
Devout Hindus believe that bathing in the sacred rivers during the Kumbh Mela can absolve sins and bring salvation from the cycle of life and death. (Photo: Getty Images)
In a celestial coincidence, two major bathing rituals occurred on consecutive days, with Paush Purnima on Monday and Makar Sankranti on Tuesday. (Photo: Getty Images)
A devotee crosses over a barricade, after a deadly stampede before the second 'Shahi Snan' (royal bath), at the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on January 29. (Photo: Reuters)
Thirteen Akharas of ascetics from different sects participated in the bathing ritual, a highlight of the Maha Kumbh Mela held every 12 years. (Photo: Getty Images)
Thirteen Akharas of ascetics from different sects participated in the bathing ritual, a highlight of the Maha Kumbh Mela held every 12 years. (Photo: Getty Images)
