§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what pilot work has been carried out in Wales on the application of Read codes in the NHS; what independent evaluation has been carried out in the Read code's applicability; and by whom; [26840]
(2) what pilot schemes have been carried out work on applying Read codes in the NHS; and what independent evaluation he proposes to carry out on the investment so far and by which body is it to be carried out. [26839]
§ Mr. HaguePilot work to test the utility and usability of Read codes is being undertaken at Withybush hospital, Haverfordwest. Further, independent evaluation of this particular work is still under consideration. Separately, the school of postgraduate studies in medical and health care at Morriston is undertaking a technical evaluation of the feasibility of incorporating Read codes into an operational clinical information system. Issues concerning pilot schemes and evaluations in England are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health.
§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what public expenditure has been spent on the development of Read codes for application in the NHS in 273W Wales; when the expenditure was commenced; if expenditure was committed outside the main Loughborough development centre; if he has proposals to continue part-funding the centre; and if he will make a statement. [26841]
§ Mr. HagueThe costs of pilot work at Withybush hospital, Haverfordwest, and the technical evaluation at the school of postgraduate studies in medical and health care at Morriston, have been shared equally between the Welsh Office and the centre for coding and classification at the Department of Health. Costs to date to the Welsh Office, all incurred in 1994–1995 and 1995–96, amount to £69,000. The Welsh Office makes no contribution to the funding of the centre.