“It has been an enormous privilege to lead the NHS in England through what has undoubtedly been the most difficult period in its history,” Amanda Pritchard said as she announced her decision to stand down as Chief Executive.
As Chief Operating Officer since 2019 and Chief Executive since August 2021, Amanda has led the NHS through the most challenging period in its 76-year history. The health service has now turned a corner on recovery from the pandemic and the foundations have been put in place to make the necessary changes to the centre to best support the wider NHS.
Sir James Mackey will be taking over as Transition CEO of NHS England, working closely with Amanda for the next month before taking up post formally on April 1.
Jim will step in on a secondment basis, with a remit to radically reshape how NHS England and DHSC work together. To ensure a smooth transition, he will work closely with Amanda until the end of her time in post.
Jim is currently the Chief Executive of Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and National Director of Elective Recovery, with demonstrable experience of leadership at a local, regional and national level. He has previous experience of national leadership within the NHS – notably during his previous tenure as Chief Executive of NHS Improvement.
Achievement
The first woman in the health service’s history to hold the post of Chief Executive, Amanda began her NHS career as a graduate management trainee in 1997 after studying at Oxford University and has held a variety of other NHS management positions.
Before joining NHS England in 2019, she served as Chief Executive of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, was previously Deputy Chief Executive at Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust and also served as a health team leader in the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit.
Amanda says: “While it has been a hugely difficult decision for me to stand down, I believe now is the right time – with the NHS making continued progress in our recovery, and with the foundations firmly in place to deliver the 10 Year Health Plan.”
Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has thanked Amanda for her work, saying: “Amanda can be enormously proud of the leadership she has given in the face of the biggest health emergency for our country in modern history, as well as steering NHS England during turbulent political waters and six secretaries of state in her time as Chief Executive. She has led with integrity and unwavering commitment.”
Welcoming Sir James Mackey to the role, Wes Streeting adds: “I am delighted that Jim Mackey has agreed to step up to provide new leadership for a new era for the NHS. He knows the NHS inside out, can see how it needs to change, and will work with the speed and urgency we need.”
Sir James Mackey describes it as “an honour” to lead the NHS through its next phase, and adds: “The NHS has experienced the most challenging period in its history – not only the shock of the pandemic but picking up the pieces after. Amanda has done an extraordinary job of leading the NHS through this difficult period.
“I am sad to be stepping away from Newcastle Hospitals, and it has been a privilege to be part of the dedicated and talented team there over the last 14 months. I have learned a great deal from colleagues there as we have successfully tackled some difficult issues and made significant improvements. I look forward to rejoining them in due course.”
