The National Programme for IT in the NHS is behind schedule, according to a progress report issued today by the National Audit Office.
While some parts of the programme (launched in 2002) are complete or well advanced, the original timescales for the Care Records Service have not been met, said the Audit Office in its report: ‘The National Programme for IT in the NHS: Progress since 2006’.
The report explained that the timescales agreed between NHS Connecting for Health and Local Service Providers for the creation of detailed care records, have proved unachievable. And while the new care records systems are being deployed in trusts, it is at a slower pace than originally planned.
According to the NAO report, current indications are that it is is likely to take some four years more than planned – until 2014-15 – before every NHS Trust has fully deployed the care records systems.
Dr Chaand Nagpaul, negotiator for the BMA’s GP Committee with responsibility for IT, said the unrealistic deadlines had damaged the National Programme for IT.
“Slipping deadlines for new IT systems and the premature release of systems that are not fit for purpose has been deeply frustrating for NHS staff leaving many doctors thoroughly disillusioned with the programme.
“The NAO report highlights that the success of the NHS IT programme will depend on the commitment of NHS staff. The major challenge for local health organisations will be to create an environment that fosters the commitment and confidence of staff. This will only happen if the progress on the development of the programme becomes more transparent. Staff must be kept abreast of how new technology is going to impact on their hospital or practice. More work needs to be done on achieving this at a local level.”
At the outset of the programme, the aim was for implementation of the systems to be complete and for every patient to have an electronic care record by 2010.