§ Mr. SpellarTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hospitals have installed equipment to read the new bar code system for blood products; and what estimate he has made of the number of hospitals which require such equipment. [40291]
§ Mr. HoramThe new bar coding system for blood bags which is currently being introduced by the national blood service is for internal use. It does not require the installation of new equipment by hospitals, as existing bar codes continue in use alongside the new ones.