§ Sir Russell Johnstonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he anticipates that it will be possible for appropriate computer facilities to be made available to health boards in Scotland for cervical cytology screening.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythLocally developed computer systems providing facilities to assist cervical cytology screening are already available to four health hoards and will shortly be available to a fifth. My right hon. and learned Friend has recently authorised the formation in the Scottish Health Service of a new Directorate of Health Service Information Systems, which has already begun to take responsibility for information technology developments in the service and which has as a major priority the provision of call-and-recall systems in support of preventive services, including cervical cytology. The Directorate—located within the Common Services Agency—aims to develop the software required by a full call-and-recall system for cervical cytology early in 1988 and outline plans exist for these facilities to be made available to all boards during 1988.