NHS England chair resigns

Richard Meddings’ departure will make way for the new government to recruit a new NHSE chair to oversee delivery of its priorities and 10-year health plan.

In a message to staff today, seen by HSJ, 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 had made clear he was keen to continue in the role, but HSJ understands the government wants a new figure it trusts to lead its delivery and reform agenda, and to work closely with ministers who are now taking a bigger role setting NHS policy.

Shortly before the general election, Mr Streeting told HSJ he had “total confidence” in NHSE chief Amanda Pritchard, but declined to say the same about Mr Meddings. 

The Department of Health and Social Care will advertise the role, which is a government appointment, shortly. If it recruits quickly, Mr Meddings said, the new appointee may be able to “parallel run” with him before March.

Several recent media reports say former health secretary Alan Milburn, who has been close to Mr Streeting, will be appointed to the DHSC board; making him less likely to be a candidate for NHSE chair. 

Mr Meddings said his tenure oversaw last summer’s long-term workforce plan, the rollout of the federated data platform and expansion of the NHS App — all of which he says he is “particularly proud of”.

He said the NHSE restructure over the past 18 months meant it was “better set up to support the rest of the NHS” while saving “almost £500m a year to reinvest in patient care”. 

Ms Pritchard said she “would like to put on record my enormous gratitude to Richard”, describing Mr Meddings as “open and honest about the challenges facing the NHS while also being a staunch defender and advocate of our frontline staff”.

Mr Meddings previously had a career in banking, holding numerous senior executive and non-executive positions at banking firms.

Mr Streeting said: “Richard has led the organisation through a period of significant internal change and unprecedented external challenges and has done so with the greatest dedication and integrity. From all of our conversations his commitment to the role has been evident.”