UK's health chief resigns after pressure over leadership and reform plans

Amanda Pritchard, the first female Chief Executive of NHS England, announced on February 25 that she would be stepping down from her position. 

Her resignation follows weeks of scrutiny regarding her ability to lead the NHS during a time of significant reform, Caliber.Az reports, referencing foreign media sources.

Pritchard’s departure comes shortly after influential House of Commons committees questioned her leadership, particularly in light of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent plans for a comprehensive overhaul of the NHS. These reforms aim to drastically reduce patient wait times, cutting the maximum wait from 18 months to just 18 weeks.

Taking the helm of the NHS in 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pritchard oversaw the health service through one of its most challenging periods. In her resignation statement, Pritchard described the decision as “hugely difficult,” yet expressed her pride in having led the NHS during such a pivotal moment.

She reflected on the significant progress the NHS had made in recovering from the pandemic and noted that after discussions with Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, she felt it was the right time to step down. She added that the necessary changes had been put in place to support the NHS moving forward.

However, Pritchard’s leadership had come under increasing criticism. The Public Accounts Committee accused her, along with her deputy Julian Kelly and senior civil servants at the Department of Health and Social Care, of being “complacent” and lacking a dynamic approach to management. Additionally, members of the Health and Social Care Committee expressed dissatisfaction with Pritchard’s responses during their questioning, describing her answers as "lengthy and diffuse."

James Mackey, who has held various senior roles within the NHS, will step in as the interim Chief Executive of NHS England. Prior to her appointment as Chief Executive, Pritchard served as NHS England's Chief Operating Officer, and led Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust in London. She also held a role as an adviser during Tony Blair’s government.

By Tamilla Hasanova