08 September 2006
The National Audit Office has sought to play down the significance of reports that it will reopen its inquiry into a multibillion pound NHS computer scheme 12 weeks after its initial report.
On June 16, the NAO published a report on Connecting for Health, which will introduce electronic patient records and enable GPs to book patients' hospital appointments at the time of referral.
Critics of the programme interpreted the NAO's move so soon after its initial report as a further blow to a scheme that has endured a fractious summer, with concerns over delays and the viability of software, as well as allegations of financial irregularities at iSoft, a leading software supplier.
There has also been speculation that up to ten trusts have opted out of the programme, although some might be foundation trusts. Foundations have no obligation to join, though their IT must be compliant with Connecting for Health systems.
The auditor said it was laying the groundwork for a follow-up inquiry but this was unremarkable. 'This is something we would expect to do with such a large programme,' an NAO spokesman said.
'We signalled the fact that we would do this on the first page of the June report and also the Public Accounts Committee chair asked us to do so during the committee's public hearing following the June report.'
A Connecting for Health spokesman insisted it was not worried by the development. 'The NAO has always stated it would be likely to do another report on the programme.'
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