So what’s it all about? It sounds pretty confusing.
It is. There are two main parts to the current NHS network upgrade - the first is connecting all the hospitals, GP practices and NHS facilities across the UK. You can think of it like building a mini walled-off version of the internet.

Big firms like BT and computer giant Fujitsu won contracts to build it. There will also be a VOIP service which means phone calls can be made over the NHS network just like Skype - saving the NHS money.

The second part of the project is to collect patient records in one place so no matter where doctors  are they can easily  access all the details, previous investigations and summaries. In many cases you be also able to view past X-rays and videos of investigations such as endoscopies.

Sounds impressive but isn’t it going to be very expensive?
The budget is £12.4bn over ten years. This sounds huge but it represents just over 1% of the NHS budget for each of those years.

Based on potential decreases in missed appointments, administrative staff reductions, transport and current communication costs government statisticians have decided that it’s cost-effective.

Can patients get access to their electronic details?
Yes, and much more besides. From home patients are able log-in to an account where they can view a restricted version of their medical history.

There’s also the ‘Choose and Book’ service  where patients can view available appointments with their GP, or in some cases hospital procedures, and book via the internet or TV.

Over 3 million bookings have been made already and, although not properly audited, initial reports show it decreases non-attendance at appointments. Doncaster & Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s DNA average before Choose and Book was around 11%. For electronic bookings, it dropped to 2%.

Shouldn’t we be worried about patient confidentiality?
We are. According to a study by research firm Medix more than half of all doctors believe it will reduce confidentiality but 70 per cent feel it will enable them to make better clinical decisions. Experts point out that most prescribing mistakes are made from lack of information.

Patients will have the option to opt out of electronic records if they wish and doctors will be granted different access levels - which means it’s unlikely you’ll be able to view patients that are not on your clinic or inpatient list.

So do we have to wait decades while like other NHS upgrades?
Nope. In fact much of the project is ahead of schedule and already operating in some areas. GP’s across England are currently using ‘Choose and Book’ to make 16,000 bookings each day. You can find out more and when new services are coming to you at:

www.networks.nhs.uk

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