The winners of the 2025 Digital Health Awards have been announced during a ceremony held at Summer Schools 2025.
Awards Overview
The awards, which opened for nominations in April 2025, recognize innovation, dedication, and excellence in the healthcare sector. They highlight the achievements of senior NHS IT leaders and emerging talents who are making significant contributions to digital transformation.
Ceremony Details
The awards were presented by Lauren Hoodless, head of Digital Health Networks, on July 17, 2025, at the University of Warwick. Hoodless remarked:
“Tonight we celebrate some of the incredible leaders and teams at the forefront of digital innovations across our health services. These awards are for those who go above and beyond, tirelessly championing digital solutions to enhance care for citizens.”
Judging Process
Nominees were evaluated by representatives from various advisory panels, including:
- Chief Clinical Information Officer (CCIO)
- Chief Information Officer (CIO)
- Chief Nursing Information Officer (CNIO)
- Clinical Safety Officer (CSO) Council
- Digital Integrated Care System (ICS) Council
2025 Award Winners
- CCIO of the Year – Penny Kechagioglou
- Position: CCIO at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire
- Achievements: Led a nationally recognized electronic patient record rollout and serves as a mentor and speaker.
- Current Role: Elected chair of the CCIO Advisory Panel for 2025-2027.
- CIO of the Year – Amy Freeman
- Position: Chief Digital Information Officer at University Hospitals of North Midlands
- Achievements: Influenced NHS digital policy and launched innovative AI programs.
- Note: Award accepted on her behalf by Brijesh Patel.
- CNIO of the Year – Misbah Mahmood
- Position: Chief Midwifery Information Officer
- Achievements: Pioneered digital leadership in midwifery and improved maternity care.
- CSO of the Year – Kaye Reynolds
- Position: Lead CSO at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust
- Achievements: Recognized for her leadership in digital clinical safety and founder of the CSO Coffee and Chat network.
- Rising Star – Tom Micklewright
- Position: Clinical Lead for Digital Transformation at Cheshire and Merseyside ICB
- Achievements: Developed a Digital Care Pathway for Heart Health and expanded CSO training in primary care.
Judges’ Insights
Judges emphasized the increasing quality of nominations each year, showcasing innovative work across various disciplines, from patient engagement to system transformation.