§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how the NHS computer system pilot scheme at Crosshouse and Ayrshire Central hospitals is being funded; what assessment he has made of the impact on existing service provision at the hospitals; what plans there are to change the existing staff structures in hospitals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 1 February 1994]: The funding of the outpatients administration system pilot scheme at Crosshouse and Ayrshire central hospitals is being provided jointly by the site and from central funds in accordance with normal practice. The new computer system will automate a number of outpatient administration functions which are presently done manually and introduce other functions not currently available with a view to making more efficient uses of hospital services and resources.
I understand that there are no plans to change the existing staff structure of the outpatient services in these two hospitals.