This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/health-13430375

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
£7bn NHS electronic records 'achieving little' for patients £7bn NHS electronic records 'achieving little' for patients
(about 6 hours later)
By Nick Triggle Health correspondent, BBC NewsBy Nick Triggle Health correspondent, BBC News
Patients are getting "precious little" from the NHS electronic care records system in England, a watchdog says.Patients are getting "precious little" from the NHS electronic care records system in England, a watchdog says.
The £7bn system to replace paper files is falling further behind schedule and in places where it has been introduced it is not working as it should.The £7bn system to replace paper files is falling further behind schedule and in places where it has been introduced it is not working as it should.
The National Audit Office also said some patients would not even get one as large chunks of the NHS had pulled out.The National Audit Office also said some patients would not even get one as large chunks of the NHS had pulled out.
In conclusion, the NAO said the system was not providing value for money - something the government rejected.In conclusion, the NAO said the system was not providing value for money - something the government rejected.
Electronic care records are the key part of the overall £11.4bn NHS IT project.Electronic care records are the key part of the overall £11.4bn NHS IT project.
The scheme was launched in 2002 with the aim of revolutionising the way the health service uses technology and also includes developments such as digital x-rays and fast internet connections.The scheme was launched in 2002 with the aim of revolutionising the way the health service uses technology and also includes developments such as digital x-rays and fast internet connections.
It is the third time the NAO has looked at electronic records - and each time the findings have been more damning.It is the third time the NAO has looked at electronic records - and each time the findings have been more damning.
Struggling Today's report from the NAO presents a depressing account of delays, contractual wrangling and technical glitches. The original vision for the scheme was compelling - a national network connecting hospitals, GP practices, ambulance services and mental health trusts, and an end to the tortuous paper trails that have caused frustration and misery for doctors and patients alike. But the complexity and cost of the scheme meant it was always seen by many as a high risk strategy. And when it ran into trouble the plans were scaled back, and the original vision set aside. Many GPs and hospitals are now working with different systems, prompting the NAO to question whether further investment in the national programme would be pouring good money after bad.
The latest report details a range of problems that the programme is struggling with.The latest report details a range of problems that the programme is struggling with.
In London, all GP practices and more than half of hospital trusts have pulled out, while in the south three-quarters have. However, this has not been accompanied by a proportionate drop in cost.In London, all GP practices and more than half of hospital trusts have pulled out, while in the south three-quarters have. However, this has not been accompanied by a proportionate drop in cost.
Meanwhile, the contract covering the rest of country is currently being renegotiated.Meanwhile, the contract covering the rest of country is currently being renegotiated.
Even after such a scaling back, roll out in places that remain part of the system is still proving difficult.Even after such a scaling back, roll out in places that remain part of the system is still proving difficult.
The NAO said it doubted the final deadline of 2016 - which is already six years later than originally envisaged - would be met.The NAO said it doubted the final deadline of 2016 - which is already six years later than originally envisaged - would be met.
And even in those trusts that have electronic records, there are problems. For example, some hospitals have struggled to introduce electronic prescriptions.And even in those trusts that have electronic records, there are problems. For example, some hospitals have struggled to introduce electronic prescriptions.
The NAO said the difficulties were caused by a range of factors, including the government being too ambitious, difficulties with technology and the complexity of the NHS.The NAO said the difficulties were caused by a range of factors, including the government being too ambitious, difficulties with technology and the complexity of the NHS.
The problems have prompted some critics to call for the entire scheme to be scrapped - although this is something the NAO stopped short of suggesting.The problems have prompted some critics to call for the entire scheme to be scrapped - although this is something the NAO stopped short of suggesting.
The government has already announced there will be a review of the project. This is due to start next week.The government has already announced there will be a review of the project. This is due to start next week.
Tory MP Richard Bacon, a member of the House of Commons' Public Accounts Committee and long-standing critic of the plans, said: "It is perfectly clear that throwing more money at the problem will not work.Tory MP Richard Bacon, a member of the House of Commons' Public Accounts Committee and long-standing critic of the plans, said: "It is perfectly clear that throwing more money at the problem will not work.
"This turkey will never fly and it is time the Department of Health faced reality and channelled the remaining funds into something useful that will actually benefit patients."This turkey will never fly and it is time the Department of Health faced reality and channelled the remaining funds into something useful that will actually benefit patients.
"The largest civilian IT project in the world has failed.""The largest civilian IT project in the world has failed."
But the Department of Health said while the original vision "was flawed", the project still had the potential to deliver value for money.But the Department of Health said while the original vision "was flawed", the project still had the potential to deliver value for money.
Dr Chaand Nagpaul, of the British Medical Association, said: "We cannot turn the clock back, but this report provides useful lessons on how best to use resources in the future."Dr Chaand Nagpaul, of the British Medical Association, said: "We cannot turn the clock back, but this report provides useful lessons on how best to use resources in the future."