NHS England chairman Richard Meddings resigns

By Jane Kirby, Reporter17th October 2024News EnglandLeadership, News England, NHS

The chairman of NHS England has announced he is resigning, saying it was a “very difficult decision”.

Richard Meddings (pictured), who has been in the role for almost three years, said he had notified Health Secretary Wes Streeting that he would stand down as chairman at the end of March.

It comes after reports that Labour was planning on asking Mr Meddings to leave after the election, possibly to be replaced by former health secretary Alan Milburn or ex-home secretary Jacqui Smith.

In a message to staff, Mr Meddings said: “As I approach three years in the role and having had discussions with the Health Secretary about what the NHS and social care will need over the next 10 years to make the shift to prevention, primary and community care a reality, I have decided that now is the right time for me to step down as chair.

“This has been a very difficult decision. The role of NHS England chair has been one of the most personally satisfying, demanding and challenging positions I’ve ever had.”

Mr Meddings said the Department of Health and Social Care “will shortly advertise the role of chair to allow for an open and competitive process to take place, as well as the necessary parliamentary approvals.”

NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said: “I’d like to put on record my enormous gratitude to Richard for his dedication to the NHS and for his commitment to driving forward improvements and efficiencies in our services.

“For those of you who have worked closely with Richard, you will know that he has been open and honest about the challenges facing the NHS while also being a staunch defender and advocate of our frontline staff and everything they have delivered in the face of such huge pressure and increasing demand.

“He has been incredibly passionate about identifying, implementing, and championing the solutions to the challenges that will help us to make the NHS fit for the future – from embracing the latest tech and innovations including the NHS app, genomic medicine and cancer vaccines to new models of care.

“I am personally grateful for the unwavering support he has given to me and our executive team as we have navigated what has been one of the most difficult periods for the NHS, for our staff and our patients.”