Thursday 28 December 2006

Connecting for Health?

Connecting for Health is the government's massively ambitious (and massively expensive) computer project for the NHS. CfH has a "mission statement" -

Better information for health where and when it's needed

This is a fine sentiment, but how does it work in practice? I am grateful for today's Independent newspaper for this response to an enquiry made under the Freedom of Information Act:

Q. Can we see the report into the links between MRSA rates and bed occupancy written by the Department of Health's chief economic adviser?

A. This would be detrimental to the future formulation of government policy.

So much for better information where and when it's needed; so much for Freedom of Information.


5 comments:

Dr Rant said...

Barry,

Nice blog - we are linking from Dr Rant.

Have you asked for a review of the 'detrimental' exception under FOI.

It takes year, but if this fails, then try an appeal to the Information Commissioner.

I can't see this exception standing (at least until they rewrite the law to make requests more difficult, the bastards)

Dr Grumble said...

Dr Grumble has been reading between the lines of this one. You can read his views here:

http://drgrumble.blogspot.com/2006/12/mrsa-and-bed-occupancy.html

Tim Kevan said...

I am so pleased to see doctors fighting for the NHS service - time is of the essence. I shall read your blog with interest.

Dr Mustard said...

Nice one Barry!!

We're behind you every step of the way. Team Rant will be covering your endeavours in detail.

Stick it to the man!

Dr Michelle Tempest said...

Like your blog Barry and am very impressed to see a doctor standing up for the health service. You might be interested in a book I recently edited called 'The Future of the NHS'. I've put summaries of the chapters at http://drmichelletempest.blogspot.com. Really good luck with the campaign.