§ Mr. BarronTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many different information technology systems are currently in use within the NHS for data storage and retrieval; if standardised software and hardware exist for such information storage and retrieval; and what guidance his Department has issued in relation to common information technology systems. [40696]
§ Mr. SackvilleInformation on the number of information technology systems in use in the national health service is not available centrally. The NHS Executive has developed a standards enforcement in procurement, STEP, process to ensure that information technology systems within the NHS in England conform to agreed IT standards. "NHS IT Standards in Procurement", issued on 1 April 1995 to all chief executives of NHS trusts in England contains statements of policy on standards in different areas of IT. This is the definitive statement of the nationally agreed standards and recommendations relevant to all aspects of IT in the NHS. Within these guidelines, NHS trusts are free to implement systems which best meet their individual needs.