§ Gregory BarkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what(a) quantity and (b) proportion of patient records are computer-based; and what (i) quantity and (ii) proportion of cancer patient records are computer-based. [78948]
§ Mr. HuttonThe National Health Service has made significant strides in using information technology to support patient care. Although not individually counted as individual records, the majority of general practitioners have clinical systems containing patient specific information, hospitals have patient administration systems which hold both clinical and demographic information about patients. There are also a number of national applications that support national screening programmes, organ donation and the work of the blood authority.
It is not possible, however, to provide details of the quantity or proportion of cancer patients who have computer based records but the majority will have records in both the primary and secondary care arena which contain information about their specific diagnosis.
§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what training requirements are in place for new doctors to enable them to handle electronic patient records. [75508]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 21 October 2002] I refer the hon. Member to the response I gave him on Wednesday 23 October 2002, Official Report, column 397W.