§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how patients and members of the public will be consulted on the development of the National Electronic Library for Health; and if he will make a statement. [91985]
§ Mr. DenhamThe National Electronic Library for Health is one of the major initiatives highlighted in the new National Health Service Information Strategy "Information for Health", which places great importance on information for the public. The National Electronic Library for Health project team is working closely with the NHS Direct initiative and the Centre for Health Information Quality to ensure that the Library properly addresses patient information needs. The project team644W receives feedback from the public and patient interest groups through those initiatives, and from clinicians and information specialists who work directly with the public.
In addition, a colloquium on the interests of patients, carers, service users and the public was held on 21 April 1999. This was attended by representatives of Community Health Councils, voluntary groups and patient self help groups. There is also a public website on the internet at http://www.nelh.nhs.uk which describes the proposed strategy for the Library in detail.