Amanda Pritchard has announced her resignation as chief executive of NHS England, a development that has sent shockwaves through the health service.
What does this change mean for the NHS and the future of UK healthcare policy?
Amanda Pritchard’s resignation follows a series of high-level meetings with Health Secretary Wes Streeting, and unprecedented public criticism from two influential House of Commons committees, raising questions about the future direction of the NHS.
Amanda Pritchard resigns: Pivotal meetings and amicable departure
Pritchard’s decision to resign came after crucial discussions with Streeting, particularly a meeting held on Monday. Sources close to the situation emphasise that her resignation, after three and a half years in the role, is amicable and not the result of being forced out. An official announcement, expected later on Tuesday, will portray her decision as a voluntary one, made after considerable reflection.
Unusual parliamentary criticism
The timing of Pritchard’s resignation is particularly noteworthy, coming less than a month after two parliamentary committees voiced concerns about her leadership. The Public Accounts Committee criticised Pritchard, her deputy Julian Kelly, and senior civil servants at the Department of Health and Social Care for being “complacent” and lacking dynamism. Shortly after, the Health and Social Care Committee publicly expressed doubts about her suitability to lead the NHS, following two hours of evidence she provided.
These criticisms, considered highly unusual for sitting NHS executives, have fueled speculation about the reasons behind her departure.
Streeting’s response and praise for successor
Despite the mounting pressure, Streeting denied having asked Pritchard to resign. Speaking at an event at Apple’s headquarters in London, he expressed “so much respect and time” for Pritchard, praising her leadership and “wise counsel.” He highlighted her role in leading the NHS through challenging times, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Streeting was equally effusive in his praise for Jim Mackey, who will take over as interim chief executive in April. Mackey, currently the chief executive of the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS trust, is widely admired within the NHS. Streeting lauded him as “a brilliant, reforming health leader who will help lead the NHS into this exciting new era.” Many senior figures within the NHS speculate that Mackey could be offered the permanent position if he desires it.
Pritchard’s legacy and future plans
In her resignation statement, Pritchard described her decision as “hugely difficult” but necessary to enable her successor to implement the government’s forthcoming 10-year NHS plan. She emphasised the NHS’s achievements under her leadership, particularly in delivering changes that have improved patient care since she took office in 2021.
Pritchard pointedly highlighted the NHS’s record of innovation and reform, including the creation of community diagnostic centres, the development of cancer vaccines, and the successful rollout of the NHS app. “The NHS now feels very different to when I became chief executive over three and a half years ago,” she stated, potentially a subtle retort to the parliamentary committees’ criticisms.
Streeting’s vision for a “New Era”
Streeting acknowledged Pritchard’s “integrity and unwavering commitment” and her role in leading the NHS through the Covid pandemic. However, his remarks also signalled a desire for a more dynamic leadership style.
He emphasised that Mackey would provide “new leadership for a new era for the NHS,” highlighting Mackey’s deep understanding of the service and his ability to drive necessary changes with speed and urgency.
Streeting outlined the importance of the forthcoming 10-year plan and the start of the new financial year as “pivotal moments on the road to reform.” He also called for a “new relationship” between the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England, suggesting a shift in governance and collaboration.
Behind-the-scenes changes and potential political pressure
The decision to replace Pritchard follows Streeting’s efforts to exert greater control over NHS England since becoming health secretary in July.
Streeting has already replaced Richard Meddings as chair of the organisation, appointing Dr. Penny Dash, who shares his reform-minded approach. Additionally, he appointed Alan Milburn, former health secretary under Tony Blair, as the health department’s lead non-executive director.
Streeting faces intense political pressure to deliver on Labour’s promises to “fix” the NHS, reduce treatment waiting times, and shift towards a more community-based and preventative approach. Opinion polls consistently show that the public prioritises the restoration of the NHS, making it a critical issue for the government. The search now begins for a permanent replacement, and the NHS prepares for a new chapter under Mackey’s interim leadership amid a period of significant reform.
Cutting down NHS jobs in the future
Wes Streeting’s plan to axe thousands of NHS jobs comes after Amanda Pritchard reveals she will resign.
Steering hopes to gain more control over NHS England and drive the NHS into a new era. This includes shrinking the size of the body in operational charge.
These job losses will include the elimination of overlap between teams at NHS England (NHSE) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) that work on the same health policies, like primary care, which he sees as unnecessary duplication.
This change would hopefully reduce disagreements that have delayed policy changes. However, NHSE will face significant job losses, with teams being merged, including the communications teams from both organisations, to promote closer joint collaboration.
The NHS and the future of healthcare policy
Amanda Pritchard’s resignation marks a pivotal moment for the NHS, signalling a shift towards a “new era” under interim leader Jim Mackey and a more assertive Health Secretary, Wes Streeting.
Her departure, following unprecedented public criticism and behind-the-scenes restructuring, underscores the intense political pressure to reform the struggling health service.
Streeting’s vision emphasises dynamic leadership, streamlined operations through job cuts within NHS England, and a closer alignment with the Department of Health and Social Care. The forthcoming 10-year plan, coupled with a push for community-based care and preventative measures, will define the future of UK healthcare policy.
As the search for a permanent successor begins, the NHS faces significant changes aimed at addressing long-standing challenges and delivering on public expectations for a revitalised health service.