DOCTORS across North Yorkshire are split over whether to run a controversial computer program designed to give patients more choice - with some refusing to operate the system.

The Government's Choose And Book system is an IT programme that means patients can be booked into hospital electronically with a choice of place, date and time for their appointments.

But the system has caused huge controversy among GPs, some of whom say that too many millions have been spent on IT, when other NHS services are being cut.

The Government wants all doctors to use the system as part of its overhaul of the NHS.

But now some GPs across North Yorkshire, and the rest of the country, are refusing to operate the system, saying they are no longer being funded to do so by the Government.

Last year, the Department of Health funded GP practices to operate Choose And Book through a Direct Enhanced Service (DES) grant.

"But this year, it is not yet clear whether the cash will be given.

Dr John Givans, secretary of the North Yorkshire Local Medical Committee of GPs, said: "We're all somewhat confused about what's going to happen. It was only funded until the end of the last financial year.

"The Department of Health appears to want doctors to continue using Choose And Book, but so far there has not been any mention of any money.

"Some doctors have given notice that they're going to stop using it, and some have actually stopped using it.

"Others find it works quite well and are continuing to use it."

He said patients at surgeries which were no longer using the system would still get a choice of which hospital to go to.

But their referral would be sent to a consultant in the old-fashioned way, by letter, not electronically.

A Department of Health spokesman said: "Some GPs have told us they plan to drop Choose And Book as, now that the Choice And Booking DES has currently expired, they are no longer being paid for it.

"No decision has yet been made about the DES for the forthcoming financial year.

"But Choose And Book remains a key Government priority and we are keen to see it continue as a safe and secure method of electronic referral - suitable for a modern NHS.

"Choose And Book provides a tool to deliver real choice and real opportunity for people to influence how, where and when they are treated - improving the patient experience of the NHS.

"It also enables activity to be tracked and planned to help tackle waiting lists - providing real benefits to clinicians and NHS services."


What is Choose And Book?

Choose And Book is a software application designed to allow patients wanting to make an outpatient appointment to choose which hospital they are referred to by their GP.

They can also book the date and time of their appointment.

It was launched in 2005 and about 90 per cent of practices are now providing the service - although some have very low numbers of patients actually using it.