Doctors express concerns over uploading of patients records to database

Doctors express concerns over uploading of patients records onto national database

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Wednesday, 10, Mar 2010 05:51

By Sarah Garrod.

The British Medical Association (BMA) has said it has concerns patients details are being uploaded too quickly onto a NHS national IT database.

Doctors' leaders have written to the government to call for parts of the NHS IT programme to be suspended.

The BMA says the computer-based Summary Care Records are being set up at "break-neck speed". They also have concerns patient's information is being uploaded onto the system without their knowledge.

The multi-billion pound upgrade to the system, which will link more than 30,000 GPs to 300 hospitals, will feature a centralised medical records system for 50 million patients, e-prescriptions and faster computer network links.

Patients can opt out of having a record created but the BMA believes they are not being given enough details to make an informed choice.

In the letter to health minister Mike O'Brien, said: "We urge you to consider, as a matter of urgency: (i) a halt to the roll-out of the SCR in the areas which have not yet begun their Public Information Programmes; (ii) inclusion of an opt-out form in the information material to patients; and (iii) the permanent withdrawal of BMA comment from the NHS Connecting for Health promotional video."

Hamish Meldrum, chairman of the BMA, added: "The break-neck speed with which this programme is being implemented is of huge concern.

"Patients' right to opt out is crucial, and it is extremely alarming that records are apparently being created without them being aware of it. If the process continues to be rushed, not only will the rights of patients be damaged, but the limited confidence of the public and the medical profession in NHS IT will be further eroded."