Amanda Pritchard, the first female chief executive of the NHS in England, is stepping down from the role.

Her departure comes less than a month after two influential House of Commons committees discussed her suitability to lead the NHS through a period of what PM Keir Starmer has said will be the biggest overhaul of the service.

She took up the post in 2021 during the Covid pandemic.

Before that, she was NHS England’s chief operating officer, head of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust in London and an adviser in Tony Blair’s government.

In a statement she said it had been a “hugely difficult decision for me to stand down”.

“It has been an enormous privilege to lead the NHS in England through what has undoubtedly been the most difficult period in its history.”

NHS England has announced that Sir James Mackey, currently chief executive of Newcastle Hospitals, will be taking over as Transition CEO of NHS England, and will work closely with Prichard for the next month before taking up post formally in April.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting thanked her for her integrity and unwavering commitment.

He said: “Amanda can be enormously proud of the leadership she has given in the face of the biggest health emergency for our country in modern history, as well as steering NHS England during turbulent political waters and six secretaries of state in her time as chief executive.”

Richard Meddings, chairman of NHS England, described it as “a huge loss” for the NHS.

“Under her leadership, the NHS has delivered a huge amount for patients – in the face of pandemic recovery, unprecedented strikes and consecutive even busier winter periods, the NHS has continued to improve performance, reform and innovate”, he said.