24 November 2006
Further improvements are needed in the management of information technology to support care in the NHS, Audit Scotland has advised.
A clear strategy is needed to get the most out of a range of IT systems developed across Scotland in the past three years, the public spending watchdog said this week.
It revealed that the NHS in Scotland does not know exactly how much is spent on IT overall.
According to Audit Scotland, the estimated national IT revenue budget of £65m and the £35m capital in 2006/07 falls well short of the target of 3%—4% of total health spend suggested in the Wanless report, Securing our future health, published by the Treasury in 2002.
'Even so, the growth in investment is substantial and will continue into 2007/08 when the revenue budget is expected to be over £100m and the capital budget £40m,' the report stated.
Deputy auditor general Caroline Gardner, said: 'Information technology is not an end in itself but a vital tool in providing good quality care. Good and timely information supports better care for patients.'
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