§ Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to encourage the computerisation of hospital accident and emergency department records, with a view to improving knowledge of the epidemiology of road accidents and priorities for remedial action, both locally and nationally.
§ Mrs. CurrieCentral funding has been provided for the development of a comprehensive package for accident and emergency departments. It is for authorities to decide whether they wish to join the consortium of potential users which already exists. Some regional health authorities are building such packages on accident and emergency facilities into the patient administration systems. It is for authorities to decide which approach best meets their own strategic requirements.
§ Mr. Strawasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has received the report of his Department's regional auditor upon the computerisation of patient records in the north-west region; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe auditor's report on the procurement and development of computer systems by the North Western regional health authority, one of which was the patient administration system for the region, was submitted to my right hon. Friend in February 1986.
The authority was asked by the Department's director of audit to consider the report and produce a plan of action for dealing with the shortcomings revealed. The authority responded with detailed proposals which, together with the corrective action it had already taken, met many of the auditor's criticisms. We have asked the 140W authority to reconsider its response on some specific points, particularly in relation to tendering and contract procedures, and its response to these is awaited.