Sonia Patel to step down as NHS England CTO

Sonia Patel, chief technology officer (CTO) for NHS England is leaving her role in March to take up the position of interim government CTO for a fixed 12-month term.

In her NHSE role, Patel has led the national technology strategy, architecture, and standards that underpin the digital transformation of the NHS ecosystem.

Patel said: “It’s been a privilege to serve the NHS, its people and patients, and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together with system leaders and colleagues across the NHS.

“In all my NHS roles, I have always valued working so closely with DDaT professionals to deliver better health and care. This capable and resilient profession, alongside our industry partners, are the bedrock of the government’s 10 year health plan, and I know they will collectively rise to the challenge.

“I am delighted to take up my role in government, where I will divide my time between serving as government CTO at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and advising on technology architecture for the Digital Identity Programme (DIP) taskforce within the Cabinet Office.”

Patel joined NHSX in 2020 as national chief information Officer (CIO) for the Department of Health and Social Care and went on to become System CIO following the merger of NHSX into NHS England, before taking on the CTO role.

Throughout her tenure, Patel led the NHS digital system through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and delivered milestones such as over 90% electronic patient record coverage and the Data Use and Access Bill. 

She is also running the project to develop a model digital blueprint for NHSE.

Jules Hunt, director general for technology, digital and data (interim) said: “Sonia has provided incredible leadership and has strong track record of delivering innovation in complex and challenging environments.

“She has played a pivotal role in shaping a modern, interoperable, and resilient technology ecosystem.

“Her compassionate and authentic leadership is widely recognised including for pioneering societal impact.

“On behalf of NHS England and colleagues, I want to thank Sonia for her dedication and impact and wish her every success in her new role.”

Transition arrangements will see the NHS technology strategy architecture and standards team reporting to Matt Phillpot, exec director of technology at NHSE.

Patel will join government digital services as interim government CTO for a fixed 12-month term, following David Knott’s retirement from the role in December. 

She will work closely with CTOs across government and with other stakeholders to ensure the design and development of the Digital ID product is secure, resilient, and meets the ambition set out by the prime minister.

Her time will be split between the Digital ID taskforce and wider government CTO responsibilities, taking up her role in March 2026.

Prior to working for the NHS nationally, Sonia worked in a variety of CIO, technology and strategy roles including leading large-scale digital infrastructures and services for frontline NHS organisations. She is an advocate of the Shuri Network, The British Computer Society and President of the Association of Professional Healthcare Analysts.