Bellamy was determined to emphasise the positive and answer his NHS critics who want more local control of IT.

Across the NHS there is widespread support for local decision making, but some things have to be done once and done centrally - N3 (the national network), the Spine (which transmits patient information), NHS email systems, PACs (digital imaging), C&B (Choose and Book), Electronic Prescriptions.

"They were all complex programmes which have been delivered successfully and centrally, he told the BCS.