NHS England's national medical director steps down

6 March 2025, 13:24 | Updated: 6 March 2025, 17:13

NHS England's national medical director is to step down from his role.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis handed in his resignation in January, following seven years in the job. He will finish his duties in July.

The 64-year-old's decision is not thought to be related to other changes at NHS England, whose chief executive, Amanda Pritchard, announced last week she was leaving her job.

Sir Stephen, became a prominent figure during the COVID-19 pandemic, regularly appearing at Downing Street news conferences.

The most senior doctor in the NHS in England, he provides counsel to NHS leadership and other officials.

Until his departure in the summer, he will continue to focus on the medical training review for postgraduate doctors, his ongoing work to improve stroke care, as well as "ongoing inquiry commitments".

Sir Stephen said in a statement: "It has been an immense privilege to serve as national medical director for the NHS and I am incredibly grateful to have been supported by amazing colleagues working across the NHS to boost the experiences of patients."

Commenting on his departure, England's chief medical officer, Professor Sir Chris Whitty, said: "Prof Steve Powis has been a remarkable clinical leader in the NHS during the most difficult crisis in its history."

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