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NHS: iSoft

Answer

iSoft is not one of the preferred supplier contractors for either the data [odq]spine[cdq], or the [odq]Choose and Book[cdq] system, under the national programme for information technology in the national health service (NPfIT). Those contracts were awarded to British Telecom and Atos Origin respectively. iSoft is, however, a key subcontractor for three of the programme’s five local service providers (LSPs), and has a track record of successful delivery of information technology systems to the National Health Service over a considerable number of years. Choice of subcontractors was and remains a matter for the LSPs concerned. NPfIT is delivering to the NHS a service for clinicians rather than a software package.In the Eastern, North East, and North West and West Midlands cluster areas—where iSoft solutions are being deployed—some 900 sites have had iSoft solutions installed, and these are being used by more than 25,000 users. Some LSP local system deployment activity is being rescheduled as a result of LSPs and their subcontractors, including iSoft, taking longer than originally anticipated to deliver software solutions. However, there is no single new deadline. NPfIT is a hugely complex 10-year programme which will see many thousands of further deployments and associated deadlines. Because contracts under the programme are structured so that financing and completion risk rests with the LSPs and their subcontractors, those who deliver get paid; the corollary also applies.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

4015; 678 c200WA

Session

2005-06

Subjects

Contracts Software ICT NHS Procurement Standards iSOFT

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk