HC Deb 09 February 1993 vol 218 cc612-4W
Mr. Denham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions she has held with the Wessex regional health authority on the confidential district auditor's report on the Wessex RHA RISP—regional information systems plan—project; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Sackville

The National Health Service Management Executive have held a number of discussions with the Wessex regional health authority about the RISP project and the findings of the district auditor.

Mr. Denham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what role her Department played in the decision of the Wessex regional health authority not to take legal action against IBM and Andersen regarding the RISP project.

Mr. Sackville

This was and remains a matter for the regional health authority.

Mr. Denham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what role her Department played in the settlement obtained by the Wessex regional health authority with AT and T Istel, in connection with the RISP project; and what sums were paid to the Wessex regional health authority.

Mr. Sackville

The settlement reached between AT and T Istel in connection with the RISP computer project was entirely a matter for the Wessex regional health authority and AT and T Istel.

Mr. Denham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what date she received the district auditor's confidential report on the Wessex regional health authority RISP project; what action she took; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Sackville

Wessex regional health authority supplied the Department with a copy of certain confidential material provided by the district auditor in July 1992. The RHA is taking action to follow up that material and the Department is closely monitoring the position.

Mr. Martlew

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action has been taken on the report of the district auditor into losses on computer contracts by Wessex regional health authority.

Mr. Sackville

Remedial action has been taken by the Wessex regional health authority to address many of the problems associated with RISP. These have included:

  1. (i) bringing the IBM 3090 computer into use on the basis of independent advice, and the disposal of surplus computing equipment;
  2. (ii) an investigation of payments made to some contractors;
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  3. (iii) an investigation of allegations of fraud;
  4. (iv) a review of IT contracts and the procedures used to negotiate them;
  5. (v) the creation of an IT directorate and the provision of effective contract management;
  6. (vi) a comprehensive review and overhaul of all financial systems. Standing Orders have been revised;
  7. (vii) legal action to recover amounts overpaid to contractors;
  8. (viii) seeking competitive tenders and letting contracts for the provision of computing services on the basis of independent advice;
  9. (ix) a move away from central control of IT towards a more client orientated/partnership approach;
  10. (x) the commissioning and implementation of new procedures for the control and letting of contracts together with improved monitoring procedures;
  11. (xi) rationalisation of future computer usage; and
  12. (xii) improvements in the standard and style of reporting on all major issues to all members of the WRHA.

This action is reported and commended in the district auditor's report.

Mr. Denham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if she will publish the confidential district auditor's report on the Wessex regional health authority RISP project;

(2) what plans she has to publish the district auditor's report on Wessex regional health authority; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Sackville

The district auditor undertook an investigation of the RISP computer project at the invitation of the Wessex RHA's regional general manager. A report in the public interest was published on 24 July 1992.

The publication of any additional confidential material is entirely a matter for the RHA. As the district auditor made clear in his statement of 4 February 1993. the information he provided, outside of the report in the public interest, if published, may prejudice police inquiries and civil proceedings.

Mr. Denham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 14 December,Official Report, column 46, to whom in the Wessex regional health authority advice was given regarding the inclusion of penalty and performance targets in the contract between the RHA and Wessex Integrated Systems; what reply was received; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Sackville

Advice on contractual matters was given to the then regional general manager, who indicated that the regional health authority would consider the Department's advice when reviewing the contract between the RHA and WIS.

Mr. Denham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 14 December,Official Report, column 46, to what extent action taken by Wessex regional health authority officials regarding the inclusion of penalty and performance contracts in the regional health authority's contract with WIS was in accordance with her Department's advice.

Mr. Sackville

Detailed information about the contract entered into by the Wessex regional health authority with WIS is entirely a matter for the RHA.

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to improve the management of Wessex regional health authority; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Sackville

The national health service in Wessex delivers a good service to patients in the region and I am confident that management in the regional health authority is discharging its role properly.

Mr. Martlew

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what instructions have been given to senior staff at Wessex regional health authority about discussing losses on computer contracts with the press and hon. Members.

Mr. Sackville

None.