Sonia Patel, CTO for NHS England, is set to leave her post to take up the role of Interim Government Chief Technology Officer for a fixed 12-month term starting in March 2026.
During her time at NHS England, Patel has been at the forefront of the NHS’s digital transformation, leading national technology strategy, architecture, and standards.
She has been instrumental in driving major system-wide initiatives, including achieving over 90% electronic patient record (EPR) coverage and supporting the passage of the Data Use and Access Bill.
"It’s been a privilege to serve the NHS, its people and patients, and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together,” said Patel.
Patel joined NHSX in 2020 as National CIO for the Department of Health and Social Care.
Following the merger of NHSX into NHS England, she served as System CIO before assuming the CTO role, overseeing digital innovation across one of the world’s largest healthcare systems.
Her leadership has been especially notable during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping the NHS navigate unprecedented operational and technological challenges.
"[Sonia] has played a pivotal role in shaping a modern, interoperable, and resilient technology ecosystem,” said Jules Hunt, interim Director General for Technology, Digital and Data.
To ensure continuity, the NHS Technology Strategy, Architecture and Standards (TSAS) team will report to Matt Phillpot, Executive Director of Technology at NHS England, during the transition period.