£44m dose of digital for healthier patient records

HOSPITAL patients' records in Scotland are about to go digital with the launch of a £44 million computer system.

The technology aims to pave the way for a paper-free NHS, improving security and giving staff more time for other tasks.

Six health boards covering 70 per cent of the population have signed up to the new technology and the remaining boards will join "in the coming months".

Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon launched the system during a visit to Monklands Hospital in Airdrie, yesterday.

She said: "Benefits include improved security, faster test results and staff being able to share information more quickly. "It will also reduce the number of times patients have to give repeat information."