Scottish NHS 24 computer system hits new delay

The crisis-hit computer project for the NHS 24 telephone helpline will not be operational until the end of next year.

The project, four years and £40 million over budget, will now be phased in for some services from this summer with a national roll-out by the end of 2017.

NHS 24 said the new telephone system would be in place this year for services including Breathing Space, NHS Living Life, the musculoskeletal helpline, death certification, blood transfusion and Fit For Work.

The launch has seen continuos delays as errors appear. The planned June launch was pushed back to the ‘summer of 2016’ after an issue that caused computer screens to appear blank, while staff have had to use pen and paper to handle patient calls following system crashes.

Angiolina Foster, NHS 24 chief executive, said: “We expect to have a functioning technology system tested and available later in the summer.

"However, we have recognised that ensuring our staff and operational environment are also fully ready to accept the technology is absolutely essential to making sure we can make a smooth transition to the new system.

"We recognise that the past 18 months have been challenging for the organisation and know that the professionalism and dedication of our people has enabled us to give high-quality care to patients during this time."