29 MPs back call for NPfIT review

A total of 29 MPs have so far signed a Commons motion backing calls for an independent review of the National Programme for IT.

The early day motion – a device used by MPs to draw attention to issues of the day – follows on from the letter sent by 23 senior academics to the Commons Health Select Committee calling for a technical review of the programme.

The motion says: “This House notes with concern the contents of a letter to the Commons Health Select Committee signed by 23 senior academics in computer-related science which criticises the NHS Connecting for Health computer system, and reports in the Sunday Times of 16 April that the system, which was projected to cost £2.3 billion, could cost between £15 billion and £30 billion.”

The MPs add: “NHS trusts are facing an estimated deficit of £600m to £1 billion; and calls upon the secretary of state [for health] to set up an independent review of the project and to ensure that any savings identified are directed to cash-strapped NHS trusts.”

The academics’ letter was sent in early April and received a swift response from Connecting for Health (CfH). Chief executive, Richard Granger, met representatives of the group within days of the letter’s publication and a statement was issued saying that CfH had no objection to a review.

Agreement on terms of reference for the review is the next step but a representative of the academics group contacted by E-Health Insider this week said there was nothing to report on this at present.

Link

Early Day Motion: NHS Connecting for Health Computer System

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