NHS IT system launch

31 March 2010

A MULTI-MILLION pound computer system that aims to improve communication between hospitals and GPs has been launched in Scotland.

The £44million Patient Management System (PMS) can be used in any NHS hospital for in-patient and out-patient bookings, managing waiting lists, ordering tests and reporting test results. It should also make it easier for NHS staff to keep track of patient records.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said the hi-tech system would pave the way for a paper-free NHS, improve security and free up time for staff. Six Scottish health boards have signed up to the system so far, with the rest expected to join in the coming months. It will mean all boards will eventually be using the same IT system. The government says this will make it easier for information to be shared securely when a patient is treated by more than one health board.

Ms Sturgeon launched the programme in Monklands Hospital, Airdrie. She said: “This new system will be much more efficient, faster and more secure than outdated paper-based systems. It also frees up money to be spent on front-line services and is better for the environment.

“Benefits for patients and staff include improved security, faster test results, staff being able to share information more quickly, and having staff freed up to carry out other tasks. It will also reduce the number of times patients have to give repeat information, which I know can be incredibly frustrating.”