SINCE joining the NHS through its graduate management training scheme in 1997, Amanda Pritchard has successfully risen through the ranks to lead its operations in England.
Ms Prichard, 46, who was born in Somerset, took over from Lord Simon Stevens to become NHS England’s chief executive officer in August, making her the first woman to hold the role since its creation in 1985.
As CEO, she is responsible for the service’s annual budget of £130 billion, its 1.2 million members of staff, and for ensuring people across the UK have access to high-quality healthcare.
She was appointed amid England’s third wave of Covid-19, giving her “huge challenges” to tackle from the outset and two clear objectives: Maintaining the vaccine rollout programme and reducing the waiting list for non-emergency care, which exceeded five million people.
When she was appointed, she said: “I am honoured to lead the NHS, particularly as the first woman chief executive of an organisation whose staff are more than three-quarters female.
“I have always been incredibly proud to work in the health service but never more so than over the last 18 months as nurses, doctors, therapists, paramedics, pharmacists, porters, cleaners, and other staff have responded so magnificently to the Covid pandemic.
“There are big challenges ahead as NHS staff continue to deal with significant pressures while maintaining the rollout of the hugely successful NHS vaccination programme and tackle backlogs that have inevitably built up in the face of rising Covid infections.
“However, the skill, determination and ‘can do’ spirit that NHS staff have shown in the face of the greatest challenge in the health service’s history means we face the future with confidence.”
'Suffering there, will be felt here in the NHS too.'
— NHS England and NHS Improvement (@NHSEngland) February 28, 2022
NHS Chief Executive @AmandaPritchard spoke today to the Jewish Staff Network and reflected on the current situation in Ukraine, reminding colleagues about the importance of offering and seeking support. pic.twitter.com/dqVMbJ4c4Z
Before taking over as CEO, Ms Pritchard was NHS England and NHS Improvement’s chief operating officer.
Between January 2016 and July 2019, she was the CEO of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust after being the acting chief executive since October 2015.
Previously, she spent six years as the deputy chief executive of Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust.
She was also the health team leader of the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit under Tony Blair in 2005 and 2006.
When Ms Pritchard was announced as NHS England's new CEO, prime minister Boris Johnson said he was “delighted” with the appointment at a “critical moment” for the health service.
He added: “Amanda’s experience and expertise mean she is perfectly placed to address these issues and more, and I look forward to working closely with her.”
Ms Pritchard spent much of her childhood in Somerset and its county town when her father worked as a priest before he became the Bishop of Oxford in 2007.
From 1976 to 1980, John Pritchard was the youth chaplain and assistant director of education in the Diocese of Bath and Wells.
He later became the priest in charge of Wilton, Taunton for eight years from 1980.
After her family moved to Durham, she was part of the debating club at Durham Johnston Comprehensive School – an experience she believes “had a huge impact” on her life by improving her confidence and ability to think on her feet.
Before entering healthcare, Ms Pritchard studied modern history at the University of Oxford.
In October 2021, Ms Pritchard was named the UK's eighth most influential woman in a list compiled by The Body Shop.
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