NHS boss admits his 'shame' at crisis-hit computer project

Richard Granger, who recently announced he is to step down as chief executive of the NHS scheme, said he was "appalled" by some of the work done by contractors.

His comments are yet another blow for what is the biggest civilian IT project of its kind.

It aims to upgrade information technology systems and introduce electronic patient records but is already running late and over budget.

In an interview with Chief Information Officer magazine, Mr Granger said: "Sometimes we put stuff in that I'm just ashamed of."

He added: "Some of the stuff . .. put in recently is appalling. It really isn't usable because they have been building a system. . . without listening to what the end users want."

However, Mr Granger also insisted the bulk of the project had been a success and he hit out at critics, branding them "stupid or evil".

There was further controversy as it emerged that health ministers made misleading statements to MPs regarding the IT plans in June.

The Department of Health has been forced to correct official parliamentary records after Caroline Flint - who has since transferred departments - and Ivan Lewis overstated the level of support given to the project by public spending watchdog the National Audit Office.

A Department of Health spokesman said it is accepted that there was a "lack of clarity" in briefing notes given to the ministers.