As far as the NHS is concerned, there are two major problems with its computer system(s). One is that, over the years, different practices and authorities have developed their individual systems without reference to each other. Two is that, notoriously, the chief executives or equivalents who sign these systems off don't understand how well they actually function. Government computer systems have often been poor because the powers that be believe what they're told by the companies charged with the work.

My wife suffered for many years working, or trying to work, with computer problems at our local health centre. To compound the problem, when faults arose, the hardware supplier would blame the software supplier - and vice versa. Training was also inadequate. Trying to make a multiplicity of health units computers communicate efficiently with each other has been almost impossible.

When we were asked by our health centre, some years ago, whether we wanted to opt out of our medical records from years back being put on to the computer system, we both said "yes".