NHS IT programmes ‘offers better care and savings’

The Department of Health has announced that new IT systems installed in the health service will provide enhanced care and financial savings.

According to the annual benefits statement published by the government, the new systems will result in savings of 1.14 billion pounds by 2014.

It adds that the National Programme for IT has already provided 208 million pounds in savings by aiding the provision of speedier, more efficient and convenient patient care.

Furthermore, 192 million pounds has been saved through the delivery of the National Network for the NHS, a network that underpins a number of applications, while 14 million pounds has been saved by the use of digital imaging and scans.

Ben Bradshaw, health minister, said: “Our use of computer technology in the NHS is becoming the envy of the world.

“It is saving lives, saving time and saving money.”

He added that Britain is held as an example of the use of computer technology being used successfully to enhanced public health services by IT and health experts worldwide.

In June 2006, Conservative MP Richard Bacon claimed that Connecting for Health ignored large amounts of advice when pressing ahead with the NHS IT project.