The article does not raise any issues that have not already been widely reported in the national media and which are being well-managed by NHS CFH, its suppliers and the staff in NHS Trusts.

The recently published National Audit Office report on the programme confirms that it is much needed to improve patient care and highlights the risks associated with the largely paper-based existing hospital systems. The NAO confirms that the programme is well managed and has made substantial progress.

The article is in large part informed by experience of a pilot installation of new computer systems at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre. We have acknowledged that there were some initial teething problems following the deployment of the system. But the Trust’s medical staff have confirmed that, while there was some inconvenience, no individual patient’s care was adversely affected. The Trust’s chief executive has confirmed that the issues are now resolved and that it was essential to install the new system as the old one was on the point of collapse.

The article also suggests that Trusts are dispensing with the new systems because of fears of the impact on patients. That is not the case. A small number of Trusts which had no pressing need for new systems have indicated that they wish to continue with their existing systems until those provided under NPfIT will deliver more capability than those they presently use. NPfIT has facilitated these Trusts to continue with their existing systems and is content for them to install new systems at a later date. The Trusts have confirmed that they are committed to the programme.

We have always been clear that it would be impossible to deliver such a large and complex programme without addressing and managing the inevitable issues and difficulties. Patient safety is our key priority.