What is NPfIT?

NPfIT is the National Programme for IT, and isclinics.
the largest civilian IT Project and will make theHealthSpace is a secure website for patients to
lives of patients better, and NHS Staff muchstore their personal and medical information, and
more efficient and effective.find out about local NHS services. Medical
The National Programme for IT enables all NHSinformation such as blood pressure, blood sugar
staff to increase efficiency and effectiveness bylevels, cholesterol, as well as lifestyle information
granting access to patient information as andsuch as smoking and alcohol consumption and
when they need it. Dentists, Pharmacists as welleating habits, can be stored securely online. In
as hospital staff and GPs will have access to theaddition, information about local NHS services such
relevant sections of the records of the peopleas GPs, hospitals, dentists and pharmacies can be
they are treating. For example, dentists will beobtained.
able to see if their patient is on any medication, orThe Picture Archiving and Communications
has recently had medical treatment or anSystem (PACS) allows images such as X rays
operation.and ultrasounds to be sent electronically around a
Care Records Service allows services to sharehospital from one department to another
patient records with their consent. Currently alldepartment without the patient having to ever
places that can provide you with treatment holdphysically carry them. This will ensure that images
records about you. This can be your GP, dentist,and scans don't get lost on the way, and that
pharmacist, outpatients department, andthey can be stored electronically. Storing them
anywhere else you might have had treatment.electronically will take up much less space and
Previously to NPfIT, the only way to shareensure that they can be accessed by all who
information between services was by fax orneed to access them. In addition, the images can
letter, which wasn't always the quickest or mostbe sent to different hospitals, so that if a patient
reliable way.had an X ray at a different hospital to their local
When you need to see a specialist, the Choosehospital, or if they move house, the X ray can be
and Book system gives you the patient theinstantly accessible.
chance to book your own appointments at a timeThanks to the NPfIT, medical care is improving
and venue to suit you. You can also quickly andand taking advantage of technology to provide a
easily change your appointment if necessary, andbetter service for all patients, in all areas of the
you can choose from at least four hospitals orNHS.