A NEW NHS telecommunications system which ran into problems within an hour of its launch has now been installed at helpline NHS 24.
The multi-million pound technology for handling callers with medical problems should have been introduced more than two years ago - but it was delayed repeatedly after issues arose at the testing stage.
When it finally went live on the 111 number, which handles calls to GP surgeries in Scotland outside office hours, it was taking too long for patients to get through and their were reports of callers being cut off. Managers told staff to switch to pens and paper to ensure patient safety, and they then rebooted the old technology.
However, NHS 24 say they have now moved all their staff onto the new system and 2800 calls were managed smoothly on the first night.
Their statement said: "NHS 24 can confirm that unscheduled care services have gone live on the new technology platform and are performing well. Staff moved over to the new system successfully on Tuesday 3rd November as the platform was rolled out across centres around Scotland."
The health board say the new technology should now mean patients receive a better service when they call for urgent medical advice. Their statement said: "For patients calling NHS 24 they should see immediate improvements including less repeat questioning and a more streamlined triage process, ensuring patients are fully assessed and sent to the most appropriate service for information or treatment as quickly and safely as possible."
Last month public spending watchdog Audit Scotland criticised the procurement of the new technology by NHS 24, concluding that they made the same mistakes as other public bodies in Scotland when ordering new IT.
The total cost of the project, known as the Future Programme, has risen 55 per cent to £117.4m from an original estimate of £75.8m.
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