Date Published: 27 January 2009

BMA shares IT concerns with Public Accounts Committee

Responding to the Public Accounts Committee report on the National Programme for IT, Dr Vivienne Nathanson, Head of Science and Ethics at the BMA said:

"This report highlights many of the issues the BMA has raised over the years concerning the NHS National Programme for IT, such as concerns over cost, reliability and security. With the UK deep in recession the government must ensure that Connecting for Health confronts the lessons of the past – the NHS IT project can’t be paid for with a blank cheque.

We are particularly concerned about the demise of two of the Local Service Providers responsible for implementing local IT systems. Trusts must have more freedom to implement IT systems that take into account their local needs. Important IT developments should not be jeopardised because of the reduction in the number of Local Service Providers.

Despite the problems we must not lose sight of the potential benefits that could be delivered in terms of patient safety, by the National Programme for IT."

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