NHS England’s medical director says ‘it’s about time’ he steps down

Sir Stephen Powis, during a media briefing in Downing Street, London (Video/PA) - (PA Archive)

NHS England’s national medical director has resigned seven years after taking up the post, saying it is “about time” he “handed the baton over”.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, who announced he was stepping down on Thursday morning, told the PA news agency: “It’s never a perfect time to leave, but I’ve been thinking about this for some time.”