Department of Health CIO resigns before job cuts

gallery

The chief information officer (CIO) for the Department of Health (DoH) has today announced her resignation, as senior posts are set to be cut down in Whitehall.

Christine Connelly was honest about the impending restructure at the DoH, which will slash a number of director general level jobs, but claims to have no desire to stay on.

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

"I have had a fascinating and challenging time in this role and I have decided that this is the right time to step back and think about what I might do next."

Connelly began as CIO for the DoH in September 2008 after four years as a private sector CIO for Cadbury Schweppes. She will be replaced on an interim basis by Katie Davis, executive director of operational excellence in the Efficiency and Reform Group – part of the Cabinet Office.

This means the complicated negotiations of executive posts and the ongoing saga of the controversial National Programme for IT (NPfIT) will fall onto the shoulders of a temporary newcomer.

Both the chief executive of the NHS, Sir David Nicholson, and the minister for health, Andrew Lansley MP, praised Connelly for her efforts with NPfIT over the past three years.

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

"Christine has brought a huge amount of experience, talent and technical knowledge to the National Programme for IT,” added Lansley. “For almost three years, Christine… has worked to deliver the Department's information strategy. I wish Christine the best of luck with whatever she chooses to do next."

Davis will take over the role on 1 July 2011.

Email to a friend

Print this page