Gates raises health service fears

silicon.com has uncovered increasing concerns within the health service about the 'special relationship' between Microsoft and the UK government, particularly affecting the NHS.

The news comes hours before a briefing Bill Gates is due to give to health secretary Alan Milburn and NHS Trust bosses on how Microsoft can help improve NHS IT services.

At a conference at London's Metropole Hotel tomorrow Milburn is also expected to outline future developments to try to boost the parlous state of IT in the NHS.

But many in the public sector have expressed concern at the closeness of the relationship between the NHS and Microsoft, after a multi-million pound desktop contract was cemented just two months ago.

Adrian Midgely, a GP and IT specialist, said: "If you accept the fact that the NHS needs a first-rate functioning IT infrastructure to cope with the demands of patients, do you opt for the supplier famous for its closed systems and the fact it treats security as a bolt-on?"

Healthcare professionals are afraid the government is tying the NHS's fortunes in with Microsoft in a last ditch bid to meet electoral promises on improving the NHS.

Workers are also concerned Microsoft is aiming to introduce elements of its .NET strategy, including the controversial electronic identity software Passport, to look after patients' records.

Sources within the health service say Milburn is to announce another £186m for NHS IT during his speech tomorrow. It is also thought he will highlight successful IT projects, including a £1m implementation of Microsoft's BizTalk server platform.

In addition, silicon.com has obtained a document outlining the nature of Gates' speech to NHS Trust CEOs. As well as providing email and other applications, Gates will talk about a desire for Microsoft to get involved with "more complex systems" and "strategic planning" for the health service.

This has led to claims the Department of Health is looking to Microsoft to provide a "quick fix" for NHS IT, something many in the sector have grave concerns about.

Others are worried about entrusting patient records to systems with proprietary code that legally has to support patient records for 100 years.

Midgely added: "Any talk of implementing Passport is very concerning. It is clearly one of Microsoft's aims to build this into government systems, but for the health service this would be entirely inappropriate."

The Department of Health today refused to comment on the content of Milburn's speech, and said in a statement: "Efforts to ensure best value will not end with Microsoft as we will soon be announcing a deal with Novell on network products and are also talking to IBM."

Microsoft said in a written statement: "Microsoft is pleased to be one of many suppliers working with them to help them understand what could be achieved. We believe that a closer dialogue between the NHS and industry is important in helping them be more successful with their key IT projects."