§ Dr. HarrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the cost to the NHS of the measures to improve information management in the NHS announced in the White Paper, the New NHS; when he expects these measures to be fully operational; and if he will estimate how much of the NHS will be covered by these new measures. [27024]
§ Mr. MilburnThe overall cost of the wide range of measures mentioned in the White Paper will depend on the outcome of our Information Management and Technology strategy for the National Health Service. This will provide the necessary planning framework.
§ Dr. HarrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when the review on the role of the Information Management Group will report; if he will list the members of the review committee and publish its remit; and if he will make a statement on information management in the NHS. [27022]
§ Mr. MilburnThe review of the Information Management and Technology (IM&T) strategy for the National Health Service is being carried out by Mr. Frank Burns who has been seconded to the NHS Executive for 12 months from his substantive appointment as Chief Executive of the Wirral Hospital NHS Trust.
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§ Mr. Burnsstarted his review in June 1997 under the auspices of the NHS Executive Board and its IM&T Policy Sub-Committee. His review is based on extensive and direct personal consultation with all the major NHS and public 'stakeholders'.
We expect to receive his report within the next 2 months.