Vol. 430 No. 8
233 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the investment that is being made, and will be made in the future, by GPs in upgrading their services as a result of the drug budget scheme, he will ensure that the computers installed are compatible with hospital systems and with one another because of the bad experience in Britain in this matter.
My Department's efforts in relation to the development of information technology have been aimed at ensuring effective and general compatibility throughout the health services. These objectives are particularly relevant in the case of the interface between general practitioners and the hospital sector. In the context of the development of general practice my Department is currently examining how best to ensure compatibility of systems within general practice itself and with other sectors of the health service. Investment on information technology out of the general practice development fund will be made on that basis.
