BOLTON health bosses are set to surf the Internet . . . to the tune of £47,000.

Wigan and Bolton Health Authority has agreed to invest in the latest computer craze in an effort to keep in touch with their colleagues across the country.

The authority plans to link up to the Net in October once all services are sited at Bryan House, Wigan.

Once in their new headquarters, health authority employees will be able to cruise the information superhighway, along with other health authority workers across the country.

The advantages of the move were set out by Mike Ruane Chief Executive of Wigan and Bolton Health Authority who allayed members' fears by stressed it was ''not computers for computers sake".

"It's a question of keeping in step with our colleagues and giving us equal access to information and facilities which some already enjoy," explained Mr Ruane.

The question of security, however, was paramount but the information on the "NHS Net" does not refer to individual patient data.

Instead it will give the health authority access to technical and monitoring information which will help in the future planning of services.

No organisations outside the NHS will have access to the information and steps will be taken to give proper training to staff who will be required to access the information.

Director of Finance Mr Tim Bennett, said: "There are several benefits to Wigan and Bolton being linked up to this.

"These benefits have already been recognised by several of our colleagues in other parts of the country.

"Obviously the issues of security and training are paramount and will be addressed by this authority."

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