NHS patients will face shorter waiting times and receive more efficient care as a result of a £168 million deal struck between BT and the health service, it was claimed yesterday.
The agreement will see BT upgrade the existing NHS computer system, NHSnet, to a broadband platform, linking hospitals and GP surgeries.
The system currently allows staff to send and receive emails, administrative data and finance information.
The Department of Health said GPs would in future be able to book appointments for patients on-line while in the longer term it would allow electronic transfer of prescriptions between GPs, hospitals and pharmacists, and electronic health records.
It added the deal would have a "direct impact on patient services" for hospitals, GPs and NHS trusts.
Health minister Lord Hunt said: "Broadband access will make a significant contribution to services designed to improve patient care and will give health staff the increased bandwidth needed to deliver the services people want."
BT Retail chief executive Pierre Danon said: "We are very pleased BT's partnership with the NHS is delivering to GPs and hospitals throughout England."
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