§ Gregory BarkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made on developing a national specification for automated prescription dispensary systems. [78958]
§ Ms BlearsAutomated dispensing systems are seen as part of the Integrated Care Record Service (ICRS). The ICRS implementation will run up to 2008 by which time a unified patient record system will exist for all National Health Service patients. This will include the functionality of electronic prescribing, pharmacy systems and, where appropriate, robotic dispensing systems. Funding for this programme over the next three years will be announced in the autumn.
In this context the Department is considering the recommendation from the Audit Commission that a national specification for automated dispensary systems should be commissioned and that earmarked funds should also he considered for the introduction of these systems.