1.NPfIT is the National Programme for IT, and is being rolled out throughout the National Health Service. All NHS locations, from rural doctors’ surgeries to world leading hospitals, will benefit.

2.The NPfIT is the largest civil IT programme ever, and is charged with implementing new computer systems and communication technology in the NHS. This ensures that all hardware and software is compatible, and that systems are fully integrated between departments, sectors and locations.

3.NPfIT will make the lives of patients easier as any medical staff will be able to access a patient’s records electronically. For example, casualty staff can see patients’ records electronically, and can see what medication or allergies the patient has, no matter where the patient’s doctor’s surgery is. This information can be accessed in seconds, and doesn’t require the patient to remember their whole medical history.

4.NPfIT will make medical staff’s jobs easier because they can have access to the information they need within seconds, no matter where it may be located. Sharing patient records between departments and locations will make it easier for medical staff to diagnose and treat patients in a timely manner. Missed appointments will be reduced and so NHS resources can be better used.

5.NPfIT will save the NHS and the taxpayer over £120 million each year.

6.NPfIT will ensure that patient records are up to date and available no matter where the patient is. If a patient has treatment in a different town or hospital, or dental work done, their medical records will be instantly updated to reflect this.

7.Patients will no longer have to give the same information to several different healthcare professionals during the course of their treatment. A patient’s medical records will show what treatment they have had, so reading the records will provide the information that medical staff need.

8.Patients can see their test results online at home, so that they don’t need to visit a hospital or their doctor’s surgery. This will be much more convenient, especially for those who are unable to travel, perhaps due to their current medical condition, as well as those who rely on public transport or on carers. Patients can also book and rearrange their appointments online, at the time and location most convenient to them.

9.Lost medical records will be a thing of the past, as electronic records will bring about an end to paper based records. There will be no transporting records all over the country via courier or taxi. Patient records won’t be able to be left in places where they shouldn’t be, or accessible by the general public.

10.Security is paramount. Smartcards are issued to staff once they have sufficiently proved their identity to the Registration Authority. These Smartcards are used to authenticate medical staff which can then grant them access to patient data. Different types of staff will need different levels of access. A receptionist or a dentist won’t need the same information as a brain surgeon, or a contagious disease specialist. The Smartcard will only allow access to the information that person needs to do their job.

NPfIT is revolutionising the NHS, and proving to be incredibly beneficial for both patients and medical staff alike.

Find out more about the NHS National Programme for IT (NPfIT) and how Patient Administration Systems will benefit both medical staff and patients.