§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of state for Scotland (1) what conclusions he has reached at this stage in his review of computer services in the NHS;
(2) what is the scope of his review of computer services in the NHS;
(3) when he expects to complete his review of computer services in the NHS;
(4) which individuals and bodies he is consulting for his review of computer services in the NHS.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 9 May 1994]: A group representing health boards and NHS trusts has been established to take forward the review of computer services in the NHS in Scotland. It is expected that the group will make recommendations to the chief executive by the end of June 1994. The scope of the review encompasses computer operations and applications sofware support and development. The group will be consulting with NHS trusts and health boards.
§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which health boards have sought assistance from computer consultants in the past five years; for what length of time; at what cost in each case; and with what improvements in efficiency on savings as a result.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 9 May 1994]: This information is not held centrally.
§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current value of investment in software for computer services in the NHS.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 9 May 1994]: In 1994–95 approximately £28 million was made available from central funds to assist health boards and NHS trusts in the purchase and development of computer hardware and software. In addition, health boards and trusts are able to make investments from their own resources but information is not held centrally on the value of such investments.