NHS IT boss resigns

Christine Connelly, chief information officer at the Department of Health, has resigned after three years in the post.

She said she decided to quit ahead of a reorganisation of senior management which will result in fewer director general posts.

In a statement, she said: “I have been reflecting on whether I would wish to go for one of those roles and decided that I will not.”

She said it is “the right time to step back and think about what I might do next”, but said the job had been “fascinating” and “challenging”.

She has been heading up the multi-billion pound National Programme for IT (NPfIT), trying to get the scheme under control after years of delays in implementing electronic patient record systems.

Connelly, formerly CIO at Cadbury Schweppes, will be replaced from July 1, on a temporary basis, by Katie Davis, executive director of operational excellence at the Cabinet Office’s Efficiency & Reform Group.

Sir David Nicholson, chief executive of the NHS, said Connelly has made a major contribution to the health service.

He said: “She has tackled a very difficult set of issues around the National Programme for IT, and moved them forward. I wish her well in her future career.”

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: “Christine has brought a huge amount of experience, talent and technical knowledge to the National Programme for IT. I wish Christine the best of luck with whatever she chooses to do next.”