HC Deb 19 March 1968 vol 761 cc237-8
35. Mr. Crouch

asked the Minister of Health what plans he has to implement a national plan for medical computing.

42. Mr. Hunt

asked the Minister of Health what discussions he has had or proposes to have with the computer industry regarding the use of computers both in the medical field and for the purpose of improving the general administration of the National Health Service.

Mr. K. Robinson

My officials are continually discussing with computer manufacturers the use of computers for all National Health Service purposes. Our aim is to encourage the orderly development of medical computing on a national basis.

Mr. Crouch

Can the Minister say whether the use of computers will be looked al with some urgency in the interests of efficiency in the administrative side of hospital management?

Mr. Robinson

Yes, Sir. I think there are great advantages to be obtained, and a computer policy and development branch was formed in the Ministry in July, 1966.

Mr. Hunt

Can the Minister give any indication of the financial savings which are likely to materialise from the wider use of computers within the Health Service?

Mr. Robinson

No. I think that question is in far too general terms for me to be able to answer.

Mr. Maxwell

Will my right hon. Friend consider setting up a committee to study how computers might be used to disseminate the results of research and development to assist the medical profession to obtain the latest advances in science and technology which may be useful in healing patients and saving expense in the hospital service?

Mr. Robinson

Yes. I can assure my hon. Friend that all aspects of medical computing are currently under study in the National Health Service and in my Department.