E-health records drawing closer for UK doctors

Electronic health records became a reality last week, as scientists presented their research to NHS officials.

Professor Kitney, head of biological and medical systems at Imperial College, demonstrated his Patient Information Folders to the NHS' head of information policy, Peter Drury.

Developed in partnership with Cable & Wireless, the electronic folders enable digital heartbeats, X-rays, magnetic resonance images and spoken diagnoses to accompany a patient's textual record.

They require nothing more than a Pentium PC and telephone connection.

If approved by the government, the folders will eventually be shared by GPs, specialists and hospitals on NHSNet.