Patients get right to block electronic records
Patients are set to be given control over who can see their electronic NHS records under new plans unveiled today.
Plans for electronic care records are set to go ahead from spring 2007, the government announced today, but health minister Norman Minister today revealed patients will be able to block their details from being put on the system.
The new NHS electronic record system has come in for heavy criticism, with concerns expressed over privacy, what will be done with the new electronic records, as well as the cost of implementing the system.
Those in favour of the scheme point out the database could benefit patients, clinicians and the NHS as a whole as it would allow faster and simpler access to records in situations where they are currently not immediately available.
But concerns over privacy have led to a program being added to the system allowing patients to review their details on the HealthSpace website or from a printed copy at their GP’s surgery.
After review, patients can decide if they want some or all their details to be added to the database.
James Johnson, British Medical Association chairman, commented: “It is crucial to the success of the NHS care record that the anxieties of both patients and professionals are properly dealt with and that the wishes of patients are fully respected.”
Last month a poll by Medix research for the Guardian reveals 62 per cent of GPs and 56 per cent of hospitals fear “outsiders hacking into the system” of e-records.
However 51 per cent of GPs and 65 per cent of hospital doctors said putting patient records on a central database will allow them to “make better decisions by having easy access to a complete up to date record of clinical information”.
The new electronic NHS summary care record is part of the NHS care records service and is being implemented as part of the NHS national programme for IT.
The record can be accessed by those that need it anywhere in England to deliver care, provided they have the necessary security clearance.
Under today’s proposals patients can correct or amend their record and either offer explicit consent for their record to be shared or opt out of sharing.
If they have not viewed their summary care record (either online or through a print out at a GP’s office) patients are assumed they wish it to be shared.
And experts are urging patients to allow their record to be shared.
“In thinking about their options, I hope people, especially the elderly and vulnerable, will bear in mind that if we have your information then paramedics, for example, will be able to offer the best possible treatment,” said Sigurd Reinton, chairman of the London Ambulance Service NHS Trust.
“It is the elderly and the vulnerable who may miss out if they have to formally opt-in.”
More details will be released on the new system on Monday December 18th.
