NHS Computer System Must Be On Budget, On Time and Fit For Purpose

4.07.37pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 31st Aug 2004

Liberal Democrats today challenged the Government to ensure that its new £6.2bn NHS computer system would be delivered on time, on budget and fit for purpose. The challenge comes as the Government spending watchdog, the National Audit Office, confirmed that it is to investigate the computer project.

Paul Burstow MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, said:

"This investigation into the NHS computer project is to be welcomed. When such a substantial amount of taxpayers' money is at stake it is right that the National Audit Office fulfils its role of investigating Government spending.

"There are huge risks involved in this IT project. Ministers must learn the lessons from past mistakes and deliver the project on time, on budget and fit for purpose. The Government owes it to patients and staff to get this right. Patients and taxpayers have seen too many broken promises and forgotten policies to trust the Government to deliver.

"Like many Government computer bungles in the past, this project could end up being a massive waste of taxpayers' money."