ContentsSupporting the management of CFC-free inhalers into the NHSHospital prescribing information project

Information Technology (IT)

NPC activity in IT can be split into two elements:

  • initiatives associated with the development of an effective computer infrastructure within the NPC and

  • initiatives with a potentially wider NHS application

Infrastructure

The integrated internal computer network, put in place during 1996, was standardised to Windows 95 and Office Professional 97 software. The feasibility of electronic communication links with Liverpool HA was explored to make information transfer, especially in relation to financial transactions, more efficient. An interim solution was in place and working during the year, with a more permanent and effective approach being planned for implementation during 1998/99.

The computerised internal accounting system was further developed, in line with changing financial procedures and audit recommendations, and the changes completed by the end of 1997.

Wider NHS application

NPC Internet/NHSnet website

The NPC worked with the PPA during the autumn of 1997 to develop and launch a website on the Internet. This was further developed and refined during the winter to include an increasing range of potentially useful information such as the Annual Report (1996/97), MeReC Bulletin summaries and elements of the Connect newsletter (see also Information section).