§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the secretary of State for Health what training is being provided for health care staff in new information management technology. [179069]
§ Mr. HuttonThe development of professionalism in the use of health information management technology is fundamental to ensuring that specialists working in the area are able to make the best possible contribution to improving health and patient care Local health bodies in England are responsible for ensuring their staff receive training in relevant basic information1344W technology skills. Much of the training is delivered in-house or has traditionally been available from local commercial providers.
The national health service information authority (NHSIA) is responsible for national implementation in England of the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL), a qualification recognised around the world for basic computing skills. Every person who completes the qualification will have completed the same syllabus. The ECDL was adopted as the reference standard for basic IT skills in the NHS in England in 2001. National procurement and implementation by the NHSIA means that registration, access to learning materials, and testing all come at no cost to organisations or individuals other than staff time.
Specific training will be given to staff using new IT systems being implemented as part of the national programme for IT in the NHS in England as the systems are rolled out.