§ Mr. LansleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the New National Network will be extended to(a) all sites offering services to NHS patients, including independent health providers and (b) community pharmacies. [173846]
§ Mr. HuttonIt is planned that over time, all organisations delivering national health service services to patients will have access to NHS care record services and the NHS national network, including independent health providers and community pharmacies.
The initial implementation of the national network in 2004–05 will be to NHS trusts and general practitioner practices, all of which have existing NHSnet connections. The provision of services under the new national network to independent health providers and community pharmacies will take place in the later phases. This will be subject to an assessment of the requirements for connectivity and ensuring compliance with appropriate standards to protect the confidentiality, security and consistency of patient data.