A single, central computer which holds everyone's medical records is science fiction, but an electronic network linking NHS organisations is science fact.
Currently, some 400 NHS organisations and 350 GP surgeries are connected to the NHS network. This enables the swift and secure transmission of data, messages and a host of results and reports including pathology, radiology and discharge summaries. By the end of 1998 all NHS organisations will be connected and when links are completed to GPs the direct booking of appointments, receipt of test results and consultants reports etc will be commonplace.
