In a message to NHS England staff, he said that approaching three years in the role and having had discussions with the health secretary about what the NHS and social care will need over the next 10 years to make the shift to prevention, primary and community care a reality, he has decided that now is the right time to step down as chair.

Meddings, who joined the NHS after more than 30 years working in banking and financial services, will continue to play a role in the creation of the 10 Year Health Plan over the coming months.

He said: ‘This has been a very difficult decision. The role of NHS England chair has been one of the most personally satisfying, demanding and challenging positions I've ever had.

‘I have been privileged to join ambulance night shifts, visit many hospitals, meet GPs and their teams in their busy practices, meet boards of trusts and ICBs, and hear directly from patients and their families. Each time I have visited a different part of the NHS, the efforts of staff, their compassion, dedication and skill, never cease to amaze me. It is one of the best parts of the job.'

In response, NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard, said: ‘For those of you who have worked closely with Richard, you will know that he has been open and honest about the challenges facing the NHS while also being a staunch defender and advocate of our frontline staff and everything they have delivered in the face of such huge pressure and increasing demand.'

Lord Victor Adebowale, chair of the NHS Confederation, added: ‘Richard's experiences across both the public and private sectors have helped to steer the NHS both in the wake of the pandemic and during the waves of industrial action, and to guide his own organisation through its mergers with Health Education England and NHS Digital.'

He added: ‘With the scale of the challenges facing the NHS laid bare in the Darzi Review, we look forward to working with Richard's successor and the rest of the NHS England leadership team to deliver the ambitious and transformational opportunity that the ten-year NHS plan will offer.'

Secretary of state for health and social care, Wes Streeting, said: ‘Richard has led the organisation through a period of significant internal change and unprecedented external challenges and has done so with the greatest dedication and integrity. From all of our conversations his commitment to the role has been evident.

‘Those who have benefited from his leadership and stewardship of NHS England speak with warmth, affection and gratitude. I also want to say a personal thank you to Richard for the support he has given me and the ministerial team during our first months in office.'

The Department of Health and Social Care will shortly advertise the role of chair to allow for an open and competitive process to take place, as well as the necessary parliamentary approvals.