Amanda Pritchard Quits as NHS England Chief Executive Amidst Criticism and Reform Plans

Image credits: Photograph: Jacob King/PA Media

Amanda Pritchard has resigned as the chief executive of NHS England, following weeks of criticism from MPs and suggestions that she lacked the drive to reform the ailing health service. Her departure comes amidst plans for major reform, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting gearing up to take the health service through a period of significant change. Pritchard's resignation was announced on Tuesday, with Sir James Mackey, the national director of elective recovery for the health service, taking over as interim NHS chief executive.

Pritchard's decision to stand down follows a series of criticisms from MPs, including the House of Commons public accounts committee, which issued a scathing report saying senior leadership at both NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care were complacent and lacking in dynamism. The health and social care committee also issued a similar criticism, saying they were left "disappointed and frustrated" by Pritchard's appearance at an evidence session. Pritchard had been under intense scrutiny in recent months, with some questioning her ability to lead the health service through a period of major reform. The reform plans, which are expected to be outlined in a 10-year plan, aim to make the NHS "fit for the future" and will require a new relationship between the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England.

The Liberal Democrats said Pritchard's resignation "must be a line in the sand" for the NHS, with the party's health and care spokesperson, Helen Morgan, saying that the next leader must ensure that patients see the improvement they desperately need. However, Health Secretary Wes Streeting said Pritchard could be "enormously proud" of her tenure, saying she "led with integrity and unwavering commitment". Downing Street insisted that she resigned voluntarily, adding that the PM did not have any concerns about her ability to carry out her role. The leadership change is expected to have a significant impact on the health service, with many senior figures in the service expecting that Mackey, who is widely admired in the NHS, would get the job permanently if he wanted it.

Here are some key points about the situation: * Pritchard's resignation comes amidst plans for major reform of the NHS * Sir James Mackey will take over as interim NHS chief executive * The 10-year plan for the health service is expected to be published in May * The plan aims to make the NHS "fit for the future" and will require a new relationship between the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England * Pritchard's resignation has been welcomed by some, who say it is a necessary step towards reforming the health service. The future of the NHS is uncertain, but it is clear that significant changes are on the horizon.

The situation has prompted comment that whoever succeeds Pritchard in the long term will need to accept a rather diminished role, more akin to that of a civil servant. It will be much harder to get a heavy hitter to succeed her, one source said. Pritchard's decision to stand down follows discussions with the Health Secretary over recent months, and her resignation will take effect in April. She will be entitled to a payout of £112,500, based on her annual salary of £270,000. The payment in lieu of notice period will be paid to her as she will not be working for the remainder of her notice period.