HC Deb 10 July 2002 vol 388 c1044W
Mr. Gareth Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to increase the use of information technology across primary care; and if he will make a statement. [66813]

Mr. Hutton

The new national health service information technology programme was outlined in the document, "Delivering 21st Century IT Support for the NHS: National Strategic Programme", published by the Department in June 2002.

This outlines a major programme of investment in information technology, including the primary care sector. The NHS will build on the successful implementation of projects such as the Project Connect programme, which connected 98 per cent. of general practices to NHSnet, giving general practice staff full access to email and web resources, including the clinical evidence base; the electronic transfer of prescription pilots; and decision support developments such as PRODIGY.