title: England's chief nursing officer steps down this autumn. Nick Lipley reports.
abstract: Sarah Mullally (pictured left) has stressed that her decision to leave the Department of Health has been a 'personal career decision'. She said, however: 'I leave at a time when the nursing and allied health professions are well placed to provide continuing leadership in health care, and to continue to make a positive difference to the lives of many.' Ms Mullally added: 'I am proud to have played a part in introducing the changes that have put nurses and midwives at the forefront of better health care.