Industry news

NHS 'should bring in independent auditors'

Introduce independent auditors to ensure the NHS follow guidelines to protect patient data, one IT health body urges.

Connecting for Health is calling for an end to NHS trusts carrying out their own risk assessments, Silicon.com reports.

Marlene Winfield, the NHS IT body's national patient lead, told a Westminster eForum the Department of Health has advised local strategic health authorities to consider introducing independent auditors to examine them, the website reports.

"We realise there is going to be a delay before everything is encrypted but we are relying on alternative measures and many more safeguards," she added.

Meanwhile, the body revealed last month that a number of NHS trusts are having difficulty encrypting patient data despite an initial deadline for the completion of the work being set for this March.

In other related news, it was reported by ZDNet.co.uk last week that the government had cancelled its NHS IT contract with Fujitsu, saying the firm had been unable to reach "key milestones" in the project.