DoH: UK is shining example of IT use

Health minister Ben Bradshaw says the NHS' IT programme "is becoming the envy of the world".

Figures released today by the government in response to a request from the National Audit Office (NAO) show £1.14 billion in savings is expected from the NHS' new IT systems by 2014.

Mr Bradshaw said the NHS' use of computer technology was "saving lives, saving time and saving money" as the Department of Health published its benefits statement.

"If you talk to health and IT experts anywhere in the world they point to Britain as example of computer technology being used successfully to improve health services to the public," he said.

NHS chief executive David Nicholson said the statement reflected the strong progress his organisation has already made.

"This report shows that we've made really solid progress against delivering an integrated IT system for the NHS, which is not only making us more efficient, but is helping our clinicians and staff deliver better, safer services for patients," he commented.