NHS Medical Director Stephen Powis Announces Retirement After Seven Years

Powis, a key figure during the Covid-19 pandemic, will step down in July as NHS leadership undergoes significant changes.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England's National Medical Director, will retire in July after serving for over seven years.
His departure follows the resignation of NHS England Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard last week, signaling a broader leadership transition.
Powis played a prominent role during the Covid-19 pandemic, appearing at numerous government briefings and offering critical guidance to the public and staff.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has emphasized plans for tighter government oversight of the NHS, including leadership restructuring and workforce reductions.
Powis's tenure included advocacy for tighter regulation of weight-loss drugs and warnings about the risks of unregulated cosmetic procedures.