§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment has been made of the value for money of the expenditure on computers by health authorities in England over the last five years; and what action has been taken by the chief executive to ensure such purchases of systems and hardware are adequately evaluated.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe implementation of computer systems is a local responsibility. Local managers take investment decisions in line with their business requirements, and in doing this are expected to obtain value for money. They are expected to identify the potential benefits of any investment before decisions are taken and to assess whether those benefits are actually realised.
The National Health Service Management Executive is responsible for providing leadership and advice and establishing a strategic framework for computer developments. In particular the executive has been developing national standards within which local managers can evaluate commercial systems. The aim is to publish revised guidance on procurement, investment appraisal and benefits realisation later this year. Further support is being provided through a national training strategy for managers which will develop the skills required to choose, implement and manage information systems.