NHS Waiting For “Safe” Conditions To Deploy New IT System

NHS 24, the Scottish online and out-of-hours phone service, is waiting for it to be “safe to do so” before deploying new IT systems.

The patient call management and triage management systems are said to have been delayed in development and implementation.

“NHS 24’s guiding principle is the delivery of safe and high quality care for patients,” claimed John Turner, the organisation’s CEO, in a recent statement.

He added that the system receives 1.5m calls a year, managed by “dedicated and skilled staff” – all supported by a technology system.

Turner said recent years have seen attempts to update the technology underpinning the service, in order to continue to provide safe and effective care for patients and enhance the way it works by delivering a more streamlined service for both staff and patients.

According to NHS 24, the new platform is being built by telecommunications giant BT and tech outsourcing firm Capgemini, adding that it will not be deployed until the conditions are right to ensure no damage is done.

The health service claims that the current system is functioning safely and normally in the meantime, so citizens should have no concerns about using it.

NHS 24 And Capgemini In Long-Term Partnership

The UK press reports that Capgemini and NHS 24 sealed a multimillion pound deal ten-year deal in April 2012.

The company is said to be responsible for replacement and support of core frontline IT systems, including the currently delayed new project.

NHS 24 hopes the new technology being developed will help it meet strategic goals, such as enhancing unscheduled care and improving access to health services.

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