A new computerised patient medical record system on trial at a London hospital has cost the NHS around £10 million and has meant that fewer patients can be seen. Now the London Free Hospital’s Chief Executive, Andrew Way, has criticised the system, saying that the many technical problems had caused delays for patients among other problems. It’s all part of a £12 billion IT upgrade in the NHS which aims to have the majority of the population’s medical records on a database by 2014 as well as an online booking service and electronic prescriptions. This move could only have a negative impact on the length of waiting times in the NHS meaning that patients in that area of London and across the rest of the country might be tempted to get a quote for private medical insurance.


The new computer system had such an impact on the running of the hospital that Mr Way said that 40 more administrative staff had to be taken on to help with the work overload. The money used on their wages could have been spent elsewhere to improve facilities and services. The overall cost of the system was so much that the hospital said they were unable to buy new equipment and patient bookings were taking four times as long as normal. There are also fears about patient confidentiality with claims that records could get lost. The vice chairman of the Patients’ Association, Michael Summers, told the BBC, “The patients have to wait longer for their treatment because of the muddle. And in some cases, operations are postponed or the wrong patients are led to the surgery." By taking out a private medical insurance policy and having access to hospitals outside of the NHS, patients will be able to avoid this situation.