By Vanessa Bidois and NZPA
HAMILTON - Health Waikato's controversial computer upgrade is under the spotlight again.
The chief executive, Dr Jan White, yesterday announced a review of the decision-making process to buy the $11.3 million Shared Medical Systems (SMS) computer network.
Problems with the same American-designed system at Wellington's Capital Coast Health
are being investigated by the Audit Office.
Dr White said the Auditor-General had not asked for a review but would be consulted about its format and progress. It would be undertaken with the Crown Company Monitoring Advisory Unit.
"Questions have been asked of Health Waikato with respect to our purchase decision and we want to satisfy ourselves and the community that correct processes have been followed," Dr White said.
Ian Powell, the executive director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, said it would have been preferable for the Audit Office to carry out an independent inquiry.
"It [the review] is a significant development and it seems to me to indicate serious disquiet from [the] Government over this decision," Mr Powell said.
The manager of SMS New Zealand, Tom Tomlin, said he could not comment on the review.
"The decision process that they were following internally and at the board level was not something that I was directly privy to," Mr Tomlin said.
"In fact, to tell the truth, I wish I had been. I was anxious to understand what was going on behind the scenes."
Parliament's health select committee requested the investigation into Capital Coast Health after hearing reports from doctors that the computer system had major problems.
Meanwhile, the future of Thames Hospital has been guaranteed for five years following a deal between Health Waikato and the Health Funding Authority.
Health Waikato has re-signed a $250 million contract for the 1999-2000 year, with a five-year contract secured for the Thames centre.
The future of the hospital had been in doubt since plans were revealed several years ago by the former regional health authority, Midland Health, to downgrade the hospital.
Robin Steed, Health Waikato community services general manager, said the deal meant Health Waikato could invest in the hospital, including providing tele-medical facilities for radiology, emergency services and teaching.
Phil Cammish, Health Waikato commercial general manager, said it had rolled over its 1998-1999 contract, which was worth $246.7 million. Small changes included increased money for the Taumarunui, Te Kuiti and Tokoroa hospitals.
