§ Dr. Moonieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is satisfied with the performance of the Central Computer Service in the National Health Service in Scotland.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe Scottish Health Service Common Services Agency operates a computer centre whose role is limited to support of the agency itself (including payroll and preparation of all-Scotland health statistics) and of the Lanarkshire health board. It is not a central computer for the service as a whole since the health boards also operate large computer installations, either individually or in consortia.
In order to improve the collection, co-ordination and use of information to benefit the service my right hon. and learned Friend has recently authorised the formation of a new directorate of health service information systems, within the Common Services Agency.