CSC walks away from NHS trust CHS go

Direct manufacturer Elonex and MDIS have put themselves forward as potential partners of the Scottish NHS trusts services contract after Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) revealed it would not re-tender for the #20 million contract.

Last week CSC announced it would not re-tender because it had been split into eight groups. It also criticised the Scottish Office for not extending its contract.

But a senior Scottish Office source told PC Dealer it was 'good' CSC was not interested in the contract. 'We are hardly gutted by this decision.

The whole situation has not been a success - it's a chapter we are glad to close.'

Bill Yates, Scottish office manager at Elonex, confirmed the company's interest. Elonex does year 2000 compliance work with the Scottish Ambluance Trust. MDIS recently renewed a #2.6 million help desk contract with 13 trusts. It is also installing a patient management system and last year gained a #1 million contract with Aberdeen Royal Hospital from CSC.

NHS executives and Scottish Office staff told PC Dealer of disappointment with CSC's handling of the contract and accused the company of affecting the quality of health care. Unison union regional officer Dave Watson said: 'There's been a lot of unhappiness with staff working in areas handling patient data. They have been especially critical of CSC performance.'

Other health bosses said there was concern over CSC's dealing with data and systems crucial to patient welfare.

CSC marketing manager Steve Thomas insisted the company understood the Scottish Office was satisfied with work done.

Ivor Canavan, CSC account executive, said the company was making a profit on the contract after cost savings. He admitted there were problems with the contract but said CSC was doing what it was contracted to.