The National Programme for IT in the NHS : progress since 2006

This is the second report by the National Audit Office on this subject, the first ("The National Programme for IT in the NHS (HC 1173)", ISBN 9780102938289) was followed by the Committee of Public Accounts report ("Department of Health: The National Programme for IT in the NHS (HC 390)", ISBN 9780215033628) and the Government response (included in "Cm. 7152", ISBN 9780101715225), all of which are available below.

This further study reviews the response to the Committee's conclusions and recommendations and examines more generally the progress being made in delivering the Programme.While some parts of the Programme are complete or well advanced, the original timescales for the Care Records Service - one of the key components of the Programme - have not been met.

Currently it seems likely to take four years more than planned - until 2014-15 - before every NHS Trust has fully deployed the care records systems.The estimated cost of the Programme is currently GBP 12.7 billion (at 2004-05 prices), which is broadly unchanged.

It remains difficult to produce a reliable estimate of local costs.

Some benefits from the Programme, including financial savings, are starting to emerge. Suppliers have largely met the targets for service availability and performance deductions have been applied where there have been service failures.The challenges to be managed for the successful delivery of the Programme are: achieving strong leadership and governance; maintaining the confidence of patients that their records will be secure; securing the support and involvement of NHS staff; managing suppliers effectively; and, deploying and using the systems effectively at local level.Overall, all elements of the Programme are advancing and some are complete.

For the Care Records Service, the original timescales proved to be unachievable, raised unrealistic expectations, and put confidence in the Programme at risk.

While the Programme costs have largely held, the timetable for the Care Records Service has slipped.

The original vision for the Programme nevertheless remains intact and still appears feasible.An accompanying volume containing progress report sheets on the 14 main components of the programme and background information is also available ('The National Programme for IT in the NHS: Project Progress Reports (HC 484-II)', ISBN 9780102954135).