NHS IT system warned of 'bleak future'
Tuesday, 17 April 2007 12:00 AM
The NHS computing system faces a "bleak future", with delays, escalating costs and clinician disillusionment, the latest report into the struggling system has concluded.
The Commons' public accounts committee (PAC) concluded a review of the National Programme for IT with the warning that urgent action is needed to improve services.
Problems identified by PAC include delays in delivery, suppliers failing to deliver systems and uncertain costs.
"There is a question mark hanging over the National Programme for IT.[it] is not looking good," concluded PAC chairman Edward Leigh.
"The leaders of the programme have talked long and loud about the benefits which it will bring to the NHS. The time for talking has ended. Resolute action at this stage by the leaders of the programme can do much to diminish the risks."
He warned: "The department must get a grip on what it and the NHS are spending."
The PAC found the electronic patients' record system is now two years behind schedule. Once completed, it will connect more than 30,000 GP surgeries with 300 hospitals, allowing clinicians to share patients' information.
Suppliers were also found to be struggling to deliver services, leading MPs to suggest that local authorities should be freed to develop alternatives.
Concerns were also raised over escalating costs. The entire project had been expected to cost £12.4 billion over ten years to 2013-14 but this is now expected to rise.
The Department of Health (DoH) defended the much-maligned computer system, claiming that MPs have based their report on out of date statistics from the National Audit Office (NAO).
"This PAC Report is based on a NAO report that is now a year out of date.
Since then substantial progress has been made and the NAO recommendations have already been acted on," health minister Lord Hunt argued.
He further denied that costs have escalated, insisting the budget is under control and payments will not be made until systems have been delivered, further protecting the tax payer.
The Liberal Democrats have called for funding for the IT system to be halted, pending an independent inquiry into the project's failings.
Lib Dem health spokesman Norman Lamb said there was "no doubt" ministers' plans had "gone badly wrong". Delays are now disrupting hospitals, he warned, raising concerns for patient safety.
Lord Hunt continued to defend the system: "The NHS IT programme will provide safer, faster and more efficient healthcare for patients, and we do not underestimate the challenges of delivering a system of this size and complexity.
"Working with the NHS and clinicians, we are on track to meet our broad targets and, as the NAO confirmed, well placed to deliver this exciting project. When completed it will connect more than 117,000 doctors, 397,500 nurses and 128,000 scientists and therapists - bringing benefits to 50 Million patients."
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