HC Deb 21 October 1993 vol 230 cc311-2W
Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she has taken to ensure the stability of the London ambulance service.

Mr. Sackville

South West Thames regional health authority is responsible for the effective functioning of the London ambulance service. We understand that it is making progress in implementing the recommendations of the inquiry into the LAS, introducing new accountability arrangements and improving the authority's oversight of the LAS. We further understand that the LAS has developed a financial plan for discussion with purchasing authorities and has received transitional funding to assist in handling the loss of some of its patient transport service contracts. Ministers remain committed to the LAS as a Londonwide service, matching where possible health authority, police and fire service boundaries.

January 1992 to October 1993
Title Cost £ Distribution
Patient's Charter News Issue 3 1,679 National Health Service Managers
Patient's Charter News Issue 4 2,923 National Health Service Managers
Patient's Charter News Issue 5 3,185 National Health Service Managers
Patient's Charter News Issue 6 3,345 National Health Service Managers
Patient's Charter News Issue 7 4,830 National Health Service Managers
Patient's Charter News Issue 8 5,161 National Health Service Managers
Patient's Charter News Issue 9 4,356 National Health Service Managers
Patient's Charter News Issue 10 (including Regional Round Up) 9,296 National Health Service Managers
IMG News Issue No. 14 (Information Management Group) 2,184 National Health Service Managers
IMG News Issue No. 15 2,633 National Health Service Managers
IMG News Issue No. 16 2,890 National Health Service Managers
IMG News Issue No. 17 3,134 National Health Service Managers
This is the IMG1 2,350 National Health Service Managers

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what qualitative guidance her Department has given South West Thames regional health authority on the procurement of information technology for the London ambulance service.

Mr. Sackville

The National Health Service Supplies Authority issued new guidance on information technology procurement in July this year. A copy of this guidance, "Procurement of Information Systems Effectively", is available in the Library.

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions she has had with South West Thames regional health authority concerning proposals for computer systems for the London ambulance service.

Mr. Sackville

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State receives regular reports from South West Thames regional health authority on the progress of the London ambulance service on the implementation of the recommendations of the inquiry report, which includes directions on the implementation of any future computer-aided dispatch system.