The Department of Health has selected the two IT chiefs who will fill Richard Granger's former position at the top of its NHS Connecting for Health agency.

Mr Granger's former chief executive post has been split into two positions.

Christine Connelly - a consultant and the former chief information officer for Cadbury Schweppes - will take up a new post as NHS chief information officer from 22 September.

Ms Connelly will be supported by Martin Bellamy, the former chief information officer for the Pension Service, who has been appointed as director of programme and system delivery.

A Department of Health statement said Gordon Hextall was expected to continue in his post as NHS Connecting for Health chief operating officer. A spokesperson confirmed that Mr Hextall would report to Mr Bellamy and Ms Connelly.

NHS chief executive David Nicholson said: "The creation of these two roles enhances both the strategic management of information in the health and social care system and the delivery of NHS Connecting for Health."

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