RCN concern at NHS IT system cut-backs in London

Published: 09 April 2010

The Royal College of Nursing today responded to reports that a new deal to overhaul NHS IT systems means that not all NHS organisations in London will receive the comprehensive IT solution originally planned. Janet Davies, Executive Director of Nursing & Service Delivery at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:

“Against a backdrop of substantial efficiency savings and looming NHS vacancy freezes, many nurses will be frustrated to learn that once again huge sums of money invested in the NHS IT programme appear to have resulted in considerably less than was promised.

“The public have a right to know how the original estimated cost of £2.3bn over three years has been allowed to spiral out of control so dramatically, and why it is taking six years longer than planned for the system to be delivered.

 “We are in no doubt that effective IT and information management is important for innovation in the NHS, and for improving patient care and safety. However, as we face the toughest ever time financially for the NHS, with evidence pointing to cut-backs in training and vital specialist nursing services, lessons must be learnt to ensure money that should be spent on frontline care does not disappear into a black hole.

“We call upon whoever forms the next Government to get a firm hold on the NHS IT system to ensure much needed funding does not get drawn away from patient care.”

Ends

Notes for Editors

For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.