Dear colleague I’m writing to let you know some personal news, which is that I have today formally confirmed to the NHS England Board my decision to stand down this summer after seven years as NHS chief executive. Many of you have of course been expecting this - after all I took up this post on 1 April 2014. Back then, I answered the call with my eyes open, knowing about impending NHS funding pressures, the controversy at the time over the recently passed 2012 legislation, and the need to fundamentally reorientate the strategic direction of the NHS. That has meant focusing on the big killers and causes of illness such as cancer and mental health, as well as strengthening primary care, integrating services, and moving towards local partnership working.