Dame Patricia was also vice-chair of the Integrated Care Partnership, working with local councils, the police, the voluntary sector and others.

Her lifetime of service and her contribution to improving people's health, wellbeing and care was recognised in the New Years Honours List, when she was awarded a damehood.

Dame Patricia said: ‘The last eight years has been the most fulfilling time in my working life. There are so many achievements that we should be proud of in Norfolk and Waveney – the way we responded to the Covid-19 pandemic, how we are joining up people's care, the huge investments being made in new buildings and equipment, and the way we are using technology to prevent people from getting ill.

'I have had the privilege and pleasure of working with exceptional people. I want to pay tribute to the thousands of outstanding individuals and organisations I've had the chance to work with – brilliant NHS and social care staff, community activists and volunteers, patients, carers and service users, inspiring clinical and professional leaders, as well as entrepreneurs and innovators across the public, private, community and social enterprise sectors. I wish them all the best as they continue with our mission to help people live longer, healthier and happier lives.'

In response, Tracey Bleakley, chief executive of NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB, said: ‘Patricia's goal and motivation is always to do what is best for people. She has always thought about people's health and wellbeing in the broadest terms, not just focusing on what the NHS can do to treat someone's health condition, but also on what we can collectively do keep people healthy and well, and prevent them from getting ill in the first place. This ethos and mindset will stick with us.'

Clare Panniker, regional director for NHS England in the East of England, added: ‘Patricia can be rightly very proud of a long legacy of distinguished public service, playing her part in improving healthcare for residents in the region as Chair of NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB.

‘Her tireless work to improve mental health services, ambulance handover times, and primary care access for the patients of Norfolk and Waveney and beyond, have all been delivered with her relentless enthusiasm and passion for creating better health outcomes for residents.

‘We've been lucky to have someone of Patricia's vast experience and I want to thank her for all that she has done in her time in the region. I wish her well for her future and will announce Patricia's successor in due course.'

Deputy chair, Hein van den Wildenberg, will act as chair until a successor is selected.