Prof Sir Stephen Powis Announces Retirement Following Leadership Reshuffle

Prof Sir Stephen Powis, the national medical director for NHS England, will retire this summer after a distinguished seven-and-a-half-year tenure, a period in which he played a critical role in guiding ministers and the public through the Covid pandemic. Powis, aged 64, is widely recognised for his frequent appearances at daily pandemic briefings, where he offered expert advice during one of the most significant health crises in modern history.

Powis’ departure follows the resignation of Amanda Pritchard, the NHS England chief executive, last week, as part of a broader overhaul of the NHS’s relationship with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). Sir Jim Mackey, who succeeded Pritchard, began his new role this week, working alongside her until he assumes full control of the organisation in April. Mackey is expected to make significant changes to the senior leadership team, as well as oversee the organisation’s closer collaboration with the DHSC and the reduction of its workforce.

In a statement announcing his retirement, Powis reflected on his time in office, stating, “My tenure has been defined by the pandemic and its lasting effects. I remain humbled by the remarkable dedication of NHS staff during the greatest health crisis of our time. I am immensely proud of the advice I provided to staff, ministers, and the public.”

Health Secretary Wes Streeting praised Powis for his “outstanding clinical leadership” throughout his tenure, especially during the pandemic. He acknowledged Powis’ crucial role in the rollout of the Covid vaccine and his contribution to the national patient safety strategy, among other achievements.

The frontrunner to succeed Powis is Claire Fuller, a GP who conducted a review of primary care services for NHS England in 2022. Other potential candidates include Dr Vin Diwakar, a paediatrician and national director of transformation, and surgeon Stella Vig, the joint national director for planned care.