"CONFUSE AND BOOK" SYSTEM A SHAMBLES - STUNELL

9.00.00am GMT Wed 4th Feb 2009

The Government's flagship NHS IT Booking system, Choose and Book, should be re-branded "Confuse and Book" according to a Liberal Democrat MP.

Andrew Stunell says he faces a steady stream of frustrated constituents who find the electronic booking system too complicated to use, and often builds in long delays in getting appointments.

Now Mr Stunell has secured a debate in the House of Commons on the beleaguered IT system today (Wednesday) to bring their concerns to Parliament, and challenge Ministers to get it working properly.

Commenting, Andrew Stunell MP said:

"Choose and Book is the NHS's version of Air Traffic Control. When you've got too many patients you stack them up and send them round and round. It looks like something good is happening, but you're just burning up fuel. Even the Department of Health has admitted that it has been used to cover up their failure to meet the 18 week target.

"Nearly all patients and every GP knows where treatment should be provided, and often by which particular consultant. Instead they get offered a so-called choice which often doesn't even include the option that would suit them best.

"They are the lucky ones. Government figures confirm what my constituents tell me. One in sixteen calls to Choose and Book don't get answered at all, and callers who get through often get given a standard message to say there are no appointments available."

"It is hardly a surprise that although this system covers 99% of the country, GPs, consultants and other health professionals are still making around half of all appointments manually. The BMA's recent report spells out the professionals' concerns in graphic detail.

"Now I want to make sure Parliament and Ministers realise the problems it causes for patients, too."

"The Government should rename the system "Confuse and Book" to reflect the waste of time, effort and money invested in a system that for many patients in my area just doesn't work at all."

ENDS