Tech problems delay launch of NHS booking system

The launch of the latest version of the NHS Choose and Book online referral and booking system has been postponed due to technical problems.

Version 4.0 was due to go live on 12 April but an issue with the current version — 3.6 — whereby patient appointments are being made incorrectly, delayed this release. A revised date has not yet been announced.

The system deals with around 75,000 referrals per week and the problem has only affected a few hundred people, all of whom have been notified.

NHS Connecting for Health took the decision to postpone the latest release until the problem is resolved and is working with Choose and Book principal supplier, Atos Origin to do this.

Choose and Book version 4.0 will allow people to make online appointments at clinics and hospitals across the country through the Free Choice System, which was launched on 1 April.

The current version only allows patients to book locally but for the time being people can still take advantage of the Free Choice System by going through their GP.