My thoughts entirely. I really wonder whether we shouldn't be considering
an alternative model, using existing, relatively robust technology e.g. The
Internet!
With PGP or other encryption will this actually be less safe than the
enormous, teetering NHSnet?
Mark
Dr G Mark Trowell
Highbridge Medical Centre
Pepperall Road
HIGHBRIDGE
Somerset
TA9 3YA
(01278) 783220
(01278) 795486 Fax
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(Weston Cellular Communications)
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Adrian Midgley
Sent: 26 October 1998 18:30
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: The capacity of the NHS to innovate in IT
The new IM&T strategy is a very adventurous, ambitious project with a
tight time scale.
I see nothing to make me think the NHS is actually capable of achieving
it, and I think those of us who are the (rather cheap) lead GPs in IT
for PCGs and their precursors should be wary about being to closely
identified with this impending disaster.
The requirements for success in such an enterprise include:-
effective and technically competent people running and doing the
work....
delegation (so that all can move forward together rather than waiting
for instructions)
the ability to give guidance in a modular fashion...
honesty about the problems by those in charge.
Some of the above are missing in various degrees in the NHS, therefore
it will fail.
Can it be salvaged? Perhaps, but I suspect that the loss of face and
prestige involved would be too much, that those involved prefer to see
the ship go down rather than alter course.
Alas.
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