Sir Simon Stevens to become peer after stepping down as head of NHS England | UK News

Sir Simon Stevens is due to become a peer after stepping down as chief executive of NHS England at the end of July, the government has said.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Sir Simon had “led the NHS with great distinction for the past seven years”.

“I want to thank him for his dedicated service throughout – but especially in the face of the extraordinary pressures of the past year, and for his enormous contribution to our vaccine rollout,” he said.

NHS England said Sir Simon notified the organization’s board of directors on Thursday of his decision to step down “as scheduled” at the end of July.

In a separate statement, number 10 said he must become a peer.

“The Queen had the pleasure of bestowing a lifetime peerage of the UK on Sir Simon Stevens, following his resignation from his post as chief executive of NHS England,” it read.

Sir Simon said in a statement from NHS England that joining the health service in my early twenties was “one of the best decisions I have ever made”.

He added that this led to the “privilege of leading the NHS through some of the toughest challenges in history” three decades later, referring to the coronavirus crisis.

He continued, “The people of this country have rightly recognized the extraordinary service of NHS staff during this terrible pandemic, as well as the success of our COVID vaccination rollout.

‘As the pandemic recedes in this country, the NHS’ track record of medical advancement in a way that rightfully works for all continues to inspire young people to join one of the biggest causes – health and care high quality for everyone, now and for future generations. “

Health Secretary Matt Hancock was among those who paid tribute to Sir Simon’s work, describing him as a “steadfast and wise leader for our national health service”, adding that it had been “especially true. .