Press Release

Intellect comments on Darzi Review

Weddesday, July 2 2008 

Intellect, the UK trade association for the technology industry, welcomes the publication of Lord Darzi’s NHS Next Stage Review. 

Intellect believes that Lord Darzi's vision sets out a series of challenges that will require a grass roots change in the NHS if they are to be met. If fully implemented, Lord Darzi's plans will offer choice and will improve the quality of healthcare driven by local clinical need rather than central direction. 

His proposed shift from a target culture to continuously improving, innovative clinical excellence will require a quantity and a quality of information not currently available to frontline NHS staff and managers. Multi- disciplined local providers will need flexible IT systems to support them and to supplement the National Programme for IT (NPfIT).  

Intellect member companies already deliver successful, local solutions and have the ability and capacity to meet both the local needs of the NHS, and of organisations working with the NHS (including private health and social care providers).

Intellect’s members adhere to the technical standards set by NPfIT and can provide their skills and expertise through the Additional Supply Capability and Capacity (ASCC) framework recently contracted by NHS Connecting for Health. 

The framework provides a convenient and rapid mechanism through which Strategic Health Authorities and Primary Care Trusts can contract with proven suppliers.  

Commenting on the Next Stage Review, Nick Kalisperas, director of Intellect's transformational government programme, said, "Lord Darzi's 'bold and ambitious' plan will only be successful if all the pieces of the jigsaw fit, and information provision for providers and commissioners is an essential piece. 

"We all recognise the complexities and challenges of making the best use of technology to improve healthcare. If the government wants to translate Lord Darzi’s vision into reality, it will need to extend the use of technology to complement the existing National Programme initiatives. 

"Technology suppliers are ready for the challenge and propose a coalition between information systems suppliers and the NHS to ensure healthcare professionals have the information they need to deliver high quality care for all."

Jeremy Nettle, Chair of the Intellect Healthcare Council, said, "The National Programme is not just about IT; it is a transformation programme for the NHS that will underpin system reform and clinical changes which, in turn, must be supported by a ruthless approach to standards, if it is to provide real clinical benefits.

"Tremendous progress has been made in improving technical interoperability. However, this report suggests that our members must continue to strive to achieve holistic interoperability."