§ Dr. Evan HarrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of general practitioner surgeries who were using clinical computer systems in March 1999 were connected to the NHSnet by the end of 1999. [45719]
§ Yvette Cooper[holding answer 25 March 2002]: Approximately 29 per cent. of computerised general practitioner (GP) practices had NHSnet connections by the end of 1999.
There are now currently 98 per cent. of GP practices connected to NHSnet. The outstanding GP practices are those for whom it is not currently cost-effective to provide NHSnet connections, for example those planning to merge, or where the practitioner is planning to retire. Remaining work is being carried forward as part of the wider strategic target to connect all national health service staff by March 2003.