Probe announced into UK health service IT firm

Troubled British health service software firm iSoft was under fresh investigation today into possible accounting irregularities.

The Accountancy Investigation and Discipline Board (AIDB) said it will question former iSoft directors and auditor RSM Robson Rhodes over financial statements the company issued between 2003 and 2005.

If the inquiry uncovers any wrongdoing, a tribunal will be held which could impose unlimited fines or strip chartered accountants of their qualifications.

Manchester-based iSoft is already under investigation from the Financial Services Authority (FSA) over alleged misleading statements to the stock market.

The company has been damaged by the fall-out from well-publicised delays to the NHS software upgrade project and has lost 90% of its stock market value in little over a year.

Last week it put itself up for sale, saying it was prepared to enter talks with potential bidders.