Web technology could free £1bn for patient care

The
NHS could save up to £1bn a year by applying existing web-based technology to
the current healthcare system.

The
technology would take several years to set up, but would save the department up
to £1bn which could then be used for patient care, according to
PricewaterhouseCoopers.

The
claims come as Bill Gates is reportedly in talks with the NHS over a deal that
could see his company, Microsoft, supplying software for the NHS University.

The
Financial Times has reported that Gates has already had a meeting with Health
Secretary Alan Milburn and talks are set to resume in the new year.

The
new NHS University is the proposed e-learning system that will offer online
training for more than a million employees from medical staff to cleaners.
While it will not offer candidates degrees, ministers claim that it will be the
biggest college of learning in the world, and develop skills in the healthcare
sector.

www.pwcconsulting.com

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www.doh.gov.uk/nhsuniversity/index.htm

By Ross Wigham