Hundreds of inaccurate patient records have been created every day because of a fault on the new NHS computer system.

The problem - affecting patients in Greater Manchester with appointments booked via the online system - arose after a software upgrade.

NHS Connecting for Health, which is overseeing the IT upgrade, said the fault would not affect patient care.

The nationwide programme has been hit by problems and has been criticised by MPs, who warned it could cost £12.4bn.

A spokesman for NHS Connecting for Health said the problem was expected to be fixed in the next few weeks.

'Interim solution'

He said: "Although comprehensive testing is undertaken prior to the upgrades taking place, it is not unusual for these kinds of upgrades to identify teething problems in the early stages following implementation.

"We estimate that around 400 duplicate patient records might have been created each day.

Simon
Viewpoint Webteam

SOURCE: BBC News Online