NHS chief Sir Nigel Crisp to stand down

The chief executive of the NHS is to leave his post at the end of the month.

Sir Nigel Crisp, who took the position in November 2000, came under increasing pressure in recent months as many hospitals struggled to deal with their finances. In a statement reported by the BBC he acknowledged that the service had overspent and took responsibility for the problems.

“There’ve been enormous changes but not everything has gone well. I am particularly saddened by the financial problems we’re grappling with,” he said.

“As chief executive I wish to acknowledge my accountability for these problems, just as I may take some credit for the achievements.”

It is thought an official government announcement will be made later on Tuesday and that Sir Ian Carruthers will act as chief executive for the time being. Sir Ian is already the NHS’s acting director of commissioning.

Despite rising public spending it is thought that the NHS has overspent around ?790 million, according to Accountancy Age. The magazine reported that services from the big four accountancy firms were now being used to rectify the situation.

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