Computers? Don't talk to me about computers...

Have you heard of NpfIT?
This clumsy acronym describes the UK’s Department of Health’s IT program, and it’s a mess.
Around £6bn (that’s six BILLION pounds) have apparently been spent so far, with little to show for it. Had that cash gone to NHS trusts instead, we wouldn’t be having to sack so many nurses. Or any.
The only bit of it we have up and running is the PACS system, which is actually quite cool. It gives you the chance to view x-rays on a computer screen rather than by having to print off an expensive film.
But everything else is a monumental cock-up of the dimensions only achievable by huge government departments. Systems that we don’t need, don’t want, don’t talk to each other, and don’t work anyway.
One of the big players in the program, iSoft, have recently announced very worrying financial figures, although their directors don’t see to be too badly affected, having quietly sold off their shares over the last few months. But you wouldn’t think anything much was up from their website.
Give me six billion quid. I could put it to good use. Get us a few patient trolleys that don’t fall apart for a start. Then maybe a CT scanner that gives decent images 24 hours a day. Ooh I could have LOADS of fun with £6bn.