NHS England appoints first ever female Chief Executive
pharmafile | July 29, 2021 | News story | |
NHS England has announced the appointment of Amanda Prichard, the first woman to hold the position.
She will replace Sir Simon Stevens on August 1, and was previously head of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust in London and an adviser in Tony Blair’s government.
Boris Johnson, Britain’s Prime Minister, said: “I am delighted Amanda has been appointed the new NHS chief executive, the first woman in the history of the health service to hold this post.
“This is a critical moment for the NHS as it continues to care for COVID patients whilst tackling treatment backlogs caused by the pandemic.
“I look forward to working closely with her.”
Ms Pritchard started in the NHS as a management trainee, in the late 1990s, before holding senior posts at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
From 2005 to 2006, she worked in the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit and spent nearly four years as Guy’s and St Thomas’ chief executive before becoming NHS England’s chief operating officer in the summer of 2019. In her current role she has worked closely with Sir Simon, effectively acting as his deputy.
Ms Pritchard said: “I have always been incredibly proud to work in the health service but never more so than over the last 18 months as nurses, doctors, therapists, paramedics, pharmacists, porters, cleaners, and other staff have responded so magnificently to the COVID pandemic.
“There are big challenges ahead. However, the skill, determination and ‘can do’ spirit that NHS staff have shown in the face of the greatest challenge in the health service’s history means we face the future with confidence.”
Simon Stevens announced in April that he was stepping down as NHS chief executive at the end of July after more than seven years in charge.
As Chief Operating Officer, Amanda Pritchard has overseen NHS operational performance and delivery, as well as implementation of service transformation and patient care improvements set out in the NHS Long Term Plan.
The Chief Operating Officer is also accountable to the NHS Improvement Board as NHS Improvement’s designated accountable officer with regulatory responsibility for Monitor.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, said: “I thank Lord Stevens for his invaluable contribution during this time. During his seven year tenure he has been relentless in his tenacity and dedication to the NHS. I wish the very best in his new chapter and hope to continue to benefit from his counsel.
“It is a pleasure to announce that Amanda Pritchard will be the new Chief Executive of the NHS. Amanda brings an unparalleled wealth and depth of experience, having worked in the NHS for nearly 25 years, and at this crucial moment for our country frontline staff will value her operational experience and steady hand.”
Kat Jenkins
