This paper deals with the impact of the installation of a computerised record and data handling system in an urban Accident and Emergency department. This system became fully operational on the 14th of August, 1989 and replaced the previous manual method of administration. The new system allows 'real time' handling of patient details and generation of letters to both specialists and general practitioners. Audit of the department workload and data generation for research are improved. The current situation is described as well as potential benefits and constraints of the system.