NHS IT problems

Funny one this. Only last week Lord Warner was claiming NHS patients would be able to opt out of the massive new NPfIT database, but today the Guardian reports this to be absolute nonsense.

Not only will patients not be able to opt out of the system, but those who want to use the promised "sealed envelope" approach - i.e. have certain sensitive parts of their medical history kept away from prying eyes - have a minor problem in that the "sealed envelope" software, er, doesn't exist.

Now, as a former worker for the NHS, I well understand the need for the new system. However, I also know how open to abuse the system will be, and can confidently predict that - once it actually drags itself into place - it will be almost immediately hit by cases of inappropriate accessing of records.

Oh, and by the way, outsourcing medical typing overseas - something Unison needs to shout louder about - won't help either. Anyone remember HSBC?