NHS’s £120m call handling system held up yet again

THE launch of an NHS 24 phone system that is already almost three years late and more than £40million over budget has been delayed again.

The IT and call handing network – named the Future Programme – was initially due to be ready for October 2013 but has run into a series of problems, with several launches aborted and staff reverting to the old system.

The latest issue is said to have caused computer screens to appear blank, delaying the planned June launch.

NHS 24 said the problem, along with ‘staff feedback’, means it will take the ‘appropriate time’ to resolve the issue.

It follows a glitch last October when the same system crashed and staff had to resort to pen and paper to deal with calls from patients.

The new system – over budget at a cost of £120million – is intended to make NHS 24 more efficient.

Every aspect of the system will be tested and staff trained in its use before it goes live at a later stage this summer, NHS 24 said.

A spokesman added: ‘A technical issue, which was very recently highlighted by suppliers, combined with staff feedback means we must take the appropriate time to get this right.

‘We will not put the technology into service until the board have received guidance from expert advisers and the programme team on the most suitable date.’