March 17, 2008

Computer system could save NHS billions

A new computer system being tested in Bolton is believed that if it proves successful could save the NHS as much as a £1 billion by 2014!

The system includes summary care record, which works with patient records to make them available online, this would mean that any health care professional no matter where they are located would be able to instantly get the patient record up in front of them, should there be an accident or if some one is taken ill while on holiday.

Apart from saving time and indeed money, this system could actually save lives too, as the health care professionals can check for appointments, prescriptions and any other information that would be needed in the event of an emergency.

However there are concerns in some quarters with regards to security and patient confidentiality, which clearly need to be addressed before this went nationwide.

Source [This is Lancashire]