§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the number of hard copy patient records going missing in hospital departments; and what steps he is taking to reduce it. [42327]
§ Ms BlearsThe Department of Health does not make assessments of the loss of hard copy patient records in hospitals, but measures are in place to minimise such losses.
The Department promotes good practice in managing hospital records by issuing guidance on standards, procedures and management of hospital records. National health service organisations are required each year to provide assurances on the arrangements in place for 856W ensuring the proper management of both paper and electronic patient's records. If a patient's record is mislaid, local management is accountable and should investigate the reasons why this occurred and takes all reasonable steps to prevent recurrence.
In addition, the Department is promoting better ways of managing records. The Information for Health strategy sets out plans for the development of electronic patient records and electronic health records, with substantial progress expected by 2005.