Richard Meddings, the chair of NHS England, will step down from his role in March 2025.
He notified Wes Streeting, the Health and Social Care Secretary, of his decision after discussions about what the NHS and social care will need over the next 10 years.
‘This has been a very difficult decision,’ he said. ‘The role of NHS England chair has been one of the most personally satisfying, demanding and challenging positions I’ve ever had.
‘I have been privileged to join ambulance night shifts, visit many hospitals, meet GPs and their teams in their busy practices, meet Boards of Trusts and ICBs, and hear directly from patients and their families. Each time I have visited a different part of the NHS, the efforts of staff, their compassion, dedication and skill, never cease to amaze me. It is one of the best parts of the job.’
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Meddings joined the NHS after over 30 years working in banking and financial services, as well as seven years on the HM Treasury board. During his time in the position, NHS England merged with NHS Improvement, NHS Digital and Health Education England, launched integrated care systems officially and published the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan.
He will continue to play a role in the creation of the 10 Year Health Plan over the coming months to make ‘the shift to prevention, primary and community care a reality’.
Meddings’ work has been highly appreciated, with Streeting commending him for leading the NHS ‘through a period of significant internal change and unprecedented external challenges' with the ‘greatest dedication and integrity’.
Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief executive, echoed these thoughts. ‘He [Meddings] 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.’
The Department of Health and Social Care will shortly advertise the role of chair, following an open and competitive process as well as the necessary parliamentary approvals.