Letters: Search for a health service IT solution - The Guardian 4th June 2008

Professor Cassell's letter (June 2) is correct in recognising that GP records already rely on established computerisation to support patient care. Unfortunately, it is common that those patient records are not accessible outside the GP practice, for example in A&E or out-of-office-hours care. The national programme for IT aims to ensure that patient information is available at the point of need, whether in primary care, hospital or community care settings and irrespective of provider, whether NHS, private or voluntary sector. This ability to exchange information has not been possible before and is driving up both quality and safety.

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