HC Deb 05 May 1989 vol 152 cc263-4W
Ms. Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will consider investing resources in a major database to collect information on patient demographics, patient diagnosis, clinical findings and clinical treatment to facilitate the creation of routine monitoring systems in order to improve clinical practice and resource allocation in the National Health Service.

Mr. Freeman

Following implementation of the Körner recommendations in April 1987, each region now provides quarterly a set of data about every patient using a hospital bed, to a national database at the OPCS. These data include age, diagnosis and operative procedures. More detailed clinical information to assist doctors and others in their management of patient care is now being collected locally as part of the resource management initiative.