Data protection promise broken
Privacy fears over NHS database- there are fears patients will have no say over what details are stored. A new NHS computer database may threaten the privacy of patients' medical records, the BBC has learnt.
A senior Department of Health civil servant said people would not be able to decide what details are stored.
Critics say this goes against earlier government assurances that patients would be able to veto the information.
The DoH said people can still discuss with their doctor what details are recorded and control who can access them - except in an emergency.
The database, which is being installed as part of the NHS's £6.2bn IT upgrade, allows staff to access medical records wherever someone is treated.
Experts have warned the final cost of the system could hit £31bn.
Phil Walker, the DoH's head of digital information policy, made the privacy claims in an email to a Warwickshire GP.
The BBC's Andrew Hosken said Mr Walker stated patients do not have any right to determine what information is recorded about them by doctors, or to veto how it is recorded.
" I believe very few people will opt out of the records" John Hutton
The British Medical Association said this appears to contradict earlier ministerial assurances that patients will be able to withhold sensitive information from the database, to be introduced later this year.
Health Minister John Hutton has said patients would have the right not to have their medical records stored electronically at all.
A second option of sealing the most sensitive data in an "electronic envelope" for use only in emergencies is also being offered.
However, Mr Hutton said: "I believe very few people will opt out of the records. I hope and believe that patients will want to be part of this because it will help to save people's lives."
Richard Granger, director general for NHS IT, said the scheme was more secure than the old paper records system.
A senior Department of Health civil servant said people would not be able to decide what details are stored.
Critics say this goes against earlier government assurances that patients would be able to veto the information.
The DoH said people can still discuss with their doctor what details are recorded and control who can access them - except in an emergency.
The database, which is being installed as part of the NHS's £6.2bn IT upgrade, allows staff to access medical records wherever someone is treated.
Experts have warned the final cost of the system could hit £31bn.
Phil Walker, the DoH's head of digital information policy, made the privacy claims in an email to a Warwickshire GP.
The BBC's Andrew Hosken said Mr Walker stated patients do not have any right to determine what information is recorded about them by doctors, or to veto how it is recorded.
" I believe very few people will opt out of the records" John Hutton
The British Medical Association said this appears to contradict earlier ministerial assurances that patients will be able to withhold sensitive information from the database, to be introduced later this year.
Health Minister John Hutton has said patients would have the right not to have their medical records stored electronically at all.
A second option of sealing the most sensitive data in an "electronic envelope" for use only in emergencies is also being offered.
However, Mr Hutton said: "I believe very few people will opt out of the records. I hope and believe that patients will want to be part of this because it will help to save people's lives."
Richard Granger, director general for NHS IT, said the scheme was more secure than the old paper records system.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4392555.stm
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