Dr Roberts will stay on to the end of the year to continue to lead the organisation through the delivery of our business plan, with a special focus on our three key 10-Year Health Plan objectives.

Sharmila Nebhrajani, NICE chairman, said: ‘I'd like to thank Sam for all she has contributed to NICE. Under her transformational leadership, NICE has become a more forward looking, collaborative and responsive organisation, whilst staying true to its mission of helping the NHS to get the best care to patients fast, at good value to the taxpayer.'

Nebhrajani added: ‘Sam's many achievements during her time at the organisation have speeded up the pace of work of the institute. They have also helped it develop its authoritative and evidence-based approach to the massive possibilities provided by the ongoing digital revolution in health.

'Her work has been of real value to patients, to the health system, and to the life sciences sector.'