THE Millennium Bug could cripple parts of Preston's healthcare system unless urgent measures are taken, a report reveals.

According to the report, the bug could prevent vital life-saving treatment information from reaching local GPs.

But health chiefs have been quick to respond to the official document, released this week, saying moves are afoot to ensure their computer systems will not crash at the turn of the century - despite the report claiming that they are months behind in their year 2000 programme.

The document, from Preston Acute Hospitals and Chorley and South Ribble NHS Trusts' Year 2000 Project Board, comes as health bosses claim to have spent £950,000 replacing and upgrading critical computer equipment at Preston and Chorley Hospitals in preparation for the millennium.

But the report says that the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) computer system used to send the results of patient blood tests and x-rays to GPs 'is not year 2000 compliant'. It comes at a time when the government is pumping thousands of pounds into advertising campaigns and leaflets warning health authorities of the Millennium Bug.

The report also foresees problems with the Trusts' e-mail system, which serves 450 users. It recommends 'urgent' measures be taken.

It reads: "The supplier had previously stated the operating system was compliant.

"The supplier is ceasing support in October 1999, with no replacement alternative.

"There is an urgent need to migrate both systems this year.

"This will require £43,000." Tony Curtis, corporate development director, said: "An alternative Y2000 compliant EDI software system will be used to electronically transmit pathology and radiology results to GP practices.

"Work to develop this new software has been completed and the system will be operational well before the millennium period.

"The Trust will begin this month to introduce a new Y2000 compliant e-mail system across all departments.

"Contingency funds are available to ensure the system is Y2000 compliant."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.