LONDON (Reuters) ? The body overseeing a massive computer systems upgrade for Britain's National Health Service yesterday called for heads to roll at Accenture, one of the firms in charge, after it announced problems with the project.

Accenture is one of four local service providers for the ten-year, ?2 billion ($3.49 billion) project, which aims to improve waiting times, care standards and efficiency in the public health service by putting patient records on computer.

It is responsible for delivering and supporting NHS computer systems for the eastern and north eastern regions of England after winning the contract when it was awarded in two tranches in December, 2003 and January, 2004.

NHS Connecting for Health said Accenture was responsible for any delays to the project and demanded changes among those heading up the project for the US consulting firm.

"We continue to look to our prime contractors to fulfil their obligations to manage their delivery obligations," Connecting for Health said in a statement.

"We believe that the issues are within Accenture's control and have requested key personnel changes within the Accenture organisation."

Accenture announced on Tuesday it would be saddled with costs of $450 million from the project. It pointed the finger at software supplier iSoft Plc, whose shares then plunged more than 15 percent.

Accenture chief financial officer Mike McGrath told a conference call that some problems critical to the system's deployment were a result of "significant" delays in iSoft's delivery of programmes.

Connecting for Health said Accenture would be held entirely responsible for the problems, and would have to foot the bill.

"Under the contracts, the prime contractor has a clearly defined responsibility to manage its delivery obligations ... Under the terms of our contracts, suppliers do not get paid until they deliver," the body said.