Motion calling for review of Health IT programme attracts cross-party support

12.14.10pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 24th May 2006

A parliamentary motion, calling for an independent review of the Government's Connecting for Health IT programme has attracted cross party support. Local MP Tim Farron proposed the motion following his parliamentary question at Health Questions last week.

The motion reads: "That this House notes with concern the contents of a letter to the Commons Health Select Committee signed by 23 senior academics in computer-related science which criticises the NHS Connecting for Health computer system, and reports in The Sunday Times of 16th April that the system, which was projected to cost £2.3 billion, could cost between £15 billion and £30 billion; further notes that NHS trusts are facing an estimated deficit of £600 million to £1 billion; and calls upon the Secretary of State to set up an independent review of the project and to ensure that any savings identified are directed to cash-strapped NHS trusts."

Tim said: "Many people are rightly concerned about the threat to local health services in areas like Morecambe Bay - especially when the Government appears to be letting the costs of this new IT system spiral out of control. We understand that we need a modern IT system for the NHS, but we need to make sure that the costs are kept under control, and that public money is spent on the public's priorities - which include keeping, not cutting, vital local health services."