The update of the NHS computer systems, known as the National Programme for IT (NPfIT), is taking up more than a quarter of the health service's total budget, according to government figures.

Spending has increased from nine per cent of total budget in 2003-04, the last time figures were available, to 25.26 per cent for 2006-07.

Government health minister Ben Bradshaw released the results after the cost of the NPfIT was questioned in parliament.

Mr Bradshaw stated that if each NHS Trust was to individually update its IT systems it is estimated that it could cost £4.5 billion or more, meaning that a national overhaul represents a more cost effective method.

Website silicon.com stated that the NPfIT has to replace a network of 5,000 different computer systems that has a nationwide infrastructure which connects over 100,000 doctors.

It was announced in May that Fujitsu was walking away from a £896 million contract to update the NHS IT systems in the south of England.