THERE is nothing surprising about the revelation that a Bolton pilot scheme to put patients' details on a central computer system is at least four months behind schedule because of IT problems.

When did you last hear about a major computer scheme that was completed on time to everybody's satisfaction?

There are concerns about confidentiality and loss of data, but we are told that a project designed to give access to medical records to health professionals could be a life-saver in emergencies.

Some doctors are backing the scheme and others wonder if it is a waste of time and money. We will not know the answer until it is up and running and I suppose we have to accept Bolton Primary Care Trust's opinion that it is happy with progress.

In the meantime, the Yorkshire side of my personality looks forward gloomily to the day when gangs of terrorists or some teenager in a bedroom create enough mayhem in global computer systems to send us all back to hunting and gathering.