An independent study of staff views of the progress of the NHS IT programme has found that financial deficits and poor communication are hampering its successful implementation. Staff also expressed fears that delays will present a risk to patient safety.
Professor Naomi Fulop, of the School of Social Science and Public Policy at King’s College London, commented: “NHS staff support the goals of this programme and believe in the benefits of IT modernisation. But they have a number of serious concerns. It’s crucial that patient information is stored and accessed via a robust, secure IT system. While the delays continue, IT networks are becoming outdated and there is a real risk that patient care could be compromised.”
