22 August 2003
The National Audit Office has confirmed it will undertake a 'preliminary inquiry' into the planned multibillion pound NHS information and communication technology programme.
However, an NAO spokesman denied reports that it was about to launch a full-scale value-for-money investigation. 'At the moment we have no intention of producing a published report, though that is not to say we will not do so. No decision has been made.'
He added that the inquiry was precipitated by concerns raised by individuals (understood to be doctors). The NAO would conduct its inquiry and write back to these individuals privately.
The programme, which is worth £2.3bn over three years, has four key elements - electronic appointment booking, care records service, prescribing, and an underpinning IT infrastructure.
Short-lists of the main bidders were announced last week, but there are concerns about how the computer systems will be administered. The work is to be outsourced to the private sector.
PFaug2003
