Amanda Pritchard appointed new NHS England chief executive

Amanda Pritchard has been appointed as the new chief executive officer of NHS England, becoming the first woman in the health service’s history to hold the post.

Taking up the role on 1 August, Pritchard will be responsible for an annual budget of more than £130 billion while ensuring that everyone in the country receives high quality care.

She takes up the role after serving as the NHS’ Chief Operating Officer (COO) for two years.

Pritchard said: “I am honoured to lead the NHS, particularly as the first woman chief executive of an organisation whose staff are more than three quarters female. 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 as NHS staff continue to deal with significant pressures while maintaining the roll-out of the hugely successful NHS vaccination programme and tackle backlogs that have inevitably built up in the face of rising Covid infections. 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.”

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said:  “Over the past eighteen months NHS staff have faced their greatest challenge, and have proven time and time again that they deserve the nation’s gratitude for their fortitude and commitment.

“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 twenty five years, and at this crucial moment for our country frontline staff will value her operational experience and steady hand.

“I look forward to working closely with Amanda on the challenges ahead, and am delighted we are appointing the first woman to the post in NHS history. I know she will support the NHS and its workforce of over a million people, and ensure the best possible care for our nation as we move forwards from this pandemic, and for many more years to come.”