NHS England chair Richard Meddings has told health secretary Wes Streeting this week of his desire to step down after three years in the role.
Meddings will officially stand down next March as he makes way for “someone who has significant experience in health” that can complement NHSE CEO Amanda Pritchard’s skills.
This comes as the government looks to change the health and social care landscape with its upcoming 10-year plan – something which Meddings will help develop in his last months as chair.
During his time in the position, NHSE has merged with NHS Improvement, NHS Digital and Health Education England; launched integrated care systems officially; and published the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan.
“As I approach the end of my first three-year term in the role, and having had discussions with the health secretary about what the NHS and social care will need over the next decade, I have decided that now is the right time for me to step down as chair,” said Meddings.
He added: “This has been a very difficult decision. The role of NHSE chair has been one of the most personally satisfying, demanding and challenging positions I’ve ever had.”
Before joining the health service, Meddings spent three decades working in the finance sector, as well as seven years on the HM Treasury board.
Streeting has said there is no doubt that Meddings’ banking background helped him have a positive impact across NHSE.
“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,” he added. “From all of our conversations his commitment to the role has been evident.”
The Department of Health and Social Care will shortly advertise the chair role for an open and competitive recruitment process.
Image credits: iStock and NHS England
