In a concerning revelation, the Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) has called for urgent action to address the computer failings within the National Health Service (NHS) that have resulted in harm to patients. The patient safety watchdog has obtained evidence of patient deaths caused by errors in the NHS IT system.

Upon learning of these distressing reports, the government has expressed deep concern and assured the public that it will collaborate with NHS England to implement necessary measures to safeguard patients. Meanwhile, a recent investigation conducted by the BBC has uncovered that thousands of hospital letters remained unsent due to computer issues.

The HSSIB has identified these IT failures as one of the most serious issues faced by hospitals throughout England. Dr. Rosie Benneyworth, the interim head of the watchdog, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "We have seen evidence of patient deaths as a result of IT systems not working." Dr. Benneyworth recounted an unfortunate incident in which a patient, wrongly identified by healthcare staff as not wishing to be resuscitated, was unable to receive immediate help due to the IT system's unresponsiveness.

In response to these failures, NHS England has already allocated £900 million to support hospital trusts in upgrading their electronic patient record systems, aiming to accelerate doctors' access to vital information. Dr. Benneyworth stressed the need for swifter action in order to prevent any further harm to patients, as computer failings have been found in nearly every HSSIB investigation.

The HSSIB has called on NHS England to issue comprehensive guidance to all healthcare organizations to improve staff access to critical patient information. One of the largest and busiest trusts, Guy's and St Thomas' in London, experienced a catastrophic failure last summer during a heatwave when their IT system shut down. Medical operations were cancelled, jeopardizing the well-being of certain patients due to doctors' inability to access their medical records.

Professor Nizam Mamode, formerly associated with Guy's and Great Ormond Street Hospitals, highlighted the severity of IT problems, terming it one of the most pressing challenges faced by the NHS. He emphasized the potential for errors, complications, and harm arising from these failings.

Lost hospital letters also contribute to significant patient harm, according to Prof. Mamode. Martin Dawe from County Durham shared his distressing experience following weeks of waiting for medical test results. The shocking discovery on his NHS app profile revealed three serious medical conditions, including cancer, of which he had never been informed. The hospital trust later admitted that a nurse had mistakenly added the prostate cancer diagnosis to his records.

Despite the hospital's claim that the error was due to human error and not linked to IT issues, this case highlights the potential for delays and miscommunication caused by IT failures. The South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, responsible for Mr. Dawe's care, apologized for the confusion and stress caused to him and his family.

It is evident that urgent action is necessary to address the IT failings within the NHS in order to protect patients from harm. With the allocation of significant funding and the issuance of improved guidance, NHS England aims to rectify these issues, ensuring faster access to vital patient information. Collaborative efforts between the government, healthcare organizations, and IT experts will be critical to prevent any further harm and restore public trust in the healthcare system.