Written question asked by Lord Grayling (Conservative) on Wednesday, 18 December 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 3 February 2003. It was answered by Hazel Blears (Labour) on Monday, 3 February 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when he will introduce telemedicine to the NHS; and what development work he has done in this area. - Including ref to Delivering 21st Century IT Support for the NHS.

Answer: Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will introduce telemedicine to the NHS; and what development work he has done in this area. [88741] Ms Blears: As set out in the Government's strategy document, "Delivering 21st Century IT Support for the NHS", our vision for information and information technology is to connect delivery of the NHS Plan with the capabilities of modern information technologies. In 2006-07, it is planned to introduce telemedicine in general practitioners' surgeries for electrocardiograms and skin disease, ambulance telemonitoring in 20 per cent. of all emergency response vehicles and to make home telemonitoring available in 20 per cent. of homes requiring it. There is considerable activity already taking place. A notable example is the Cornwall electronic patient record pilot that has implemented a successful use of telemedicine to support minor injuries units and there is fairly widespread take-up of teledermatology services. The recent national health service digital television pilots explored the potential for telehealth through a range of services.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 88741; 399 c112-3W;399 c113W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Hospitals General practitioners NHS Telecommunications Technology Telemedicine
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk