NHS at 75: who is in charge of the National Health Service on its landmark anniversary?

The National Health Service turns 75 today, having provided public healthcare of Britain since its advent in 1948, after many attempts to provide adequate healthcare in the country which led to “The Beveridge Report” and what we now call, and at times moan about, the NHS. While the envy of some countries, waiting lists seem to always be the biggest gripe about the NHS, a free public healthcare system that is assisted by National Insurance payments.

So who should the complaints or the praise for the modern running of the NHS be attributed to? The UK Government, who continue to support the healthcare system, despite talks at times about the potential privatisation of it akin to the US healthcare system? Should it go to the nurses, tirelessly on the frontline especially during the COVID-19 Pandemic? Maybe all the praise should go to them.

But in all honesty, many of the decisions undertaken by the NHS fall upon the NHS Executive Group, a 20 strong team that lead the strategic direction for the NHS, developing healthcare policies, allocating resources, monitoring performance, fostering partnerships and collaborations, engaging with patients and the public, and ensuring accountability and governance.

The committee plays a vital role in setting the strategic direction and priorities for the NHS. They identify healthcare challenges, formulate long-term plans, and define goals and objectives. They are involved in policy development, reviewing evidence and providing expert advice on healthcare issues. The committee oversees the allocation of financial and other resources, assesses funding needs, and monitors resource utilisation.

But surely members of the NHS Executive Group must answer to one person, high above in the hierarchy of the committee? Indeed they do, and at present, one Amanda Pritchard is that person that the rest of the committee and the NHS as a whole answer to.

Who is the CEO of the National Health Service?

Amanda Pritchard is the current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NHS England, responsible for leading the national efforts to improve health and ensure high-quality care for all. She holds accountability to Parliament for the annual funding of £150 billion for the NHS. 

Prior to her current role, Amanda served as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of NHS England and NHS Improvement and also held the position of Chief Executive at NHS Improvement.

As COO, Amanda had oversight of the operational performance and delivery of the NHS, as well as the implementation of service transformation and patient care improvements outlined in the NHS Long Term Plan. Before joining NHS England, she served as the Chief Executive of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust from January 2016 to July 2019, having initially taken on the role of Acting Chief Executive in October 2015. 

Prior to her time at Guy's and St Thomas', Amanda held the position of Deputy Chief Executive at Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust for six years, where she gained extensive experience in strategic and operational management.

Amanda's career in the NHS began in 1997 when she joined through the graduate management training scheme. Over the years, she has held various senior management positions and has demonstrated her leadership abilities in healthcare organisations. 

Her experience also extends to serving as a health team leader in the Prime Minister's Delivery Unit, showcasing her involvement in high-level healthcare policy and implementation.