It was presumably a coincidence that last month’s highly critical report on NHS finances from the House of Commons public accounts committee (PAC) was published just hours before Amanda Pritchard, NHS England’s chief executive, appeared before the health and social care committee. The report accused leaders at the organisation and the Department of Health and Social Care of lacking “drive” and “ideas”. That same day, immediately after Ms Pritchard’s evidence, the health committee issued a statement. Echoing the PAC, it said Ms Pritchard and her team lacked “drive” and “dynamism”.
NHS England hit back at the PAC, claiming that MPs did not fully understand the financial processes at issue. Wes Streeting was reported to have “full confidence” in Ms Pritchard, making it clear that her job is not on the line. But this two-pronged attack must have stung. While critical reports like the PAC’s are part and parcel of parliamentary scrutiny, it is highly unusual for public servants to be rebuked for their oral evidence.
