England’s top doctor will leave his post in July, in the latest change at the top of NHS England.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director of NHS England, has announced that he will step down this summer, after over seven years in the role.
Professor Powis notified outgoing NHSE Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard of his intention to stand down in a letter in January. He will remain in post until early July.
As the most senior doctor within the NHS in England, Professor Powis played a key role in the pandemic response – leading the health service, supporting frontline workers and advising the public on dozens of government COVID briefings.
He took up the role of national medical director in 2018, after 12 years as medical director at the Royal Free NHS Trust.
Shortly after Sir Stephen announced his departure, Chief Financial Officer Julian Kelly; Chief Operating Officer Emily Lawson; and Chief Delivery Officer and National Director for Vaccination and Screening Steve Russell also announced they will step down in the coming weeks.
