§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) regions, (b) districts, (c) trusts, (d) family health service authorities and (e) general practitioners use the Racal healthlink.
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§ Mr. SackvilleInformation to the end of November shows that six regions use the Racal healthlink, together with 98 family health services authorities, 932 general medical practitioners and 1,656 dental practices. Precise figures are not available for districts or trusts. However, figures are estimated to be five to 10 and 40 to 50 respectively.
§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the cost of setting up the Racal data network to(a) the Department of Health, (b) health regions and (c) health districts.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe cost of setting up the infrastructure required to operate the healthlink service was met entirely by Racal Network Services Ltd.—RNSL.
Costs attributable to the Department were those relating to the employment of civil servants and consultants between November 1987 and November 1991 when the healthlink service was being planned and implemented. These costs are estimated to be £450,000.
The only costs payable by health regions and districts are those generated by usage of the healthlink service and records of these transactions are not available centrally.