A common language for a common strategy. Information management and technology in the NHS

1. Accurate, timely and comprehensive clinical information is essential for ensuring high quality, cost-effective patient care. 2. Improved basic information is a basic requirment at all levels in the NHS if it is to respond to new challenges. 3. A major aim of the NHS information strategy is to develop a common infrastructure across the service. 4. Effective and efficient sharing of clinical information among healthcare professionals can only be possible by way of a common language of health.