Sponsored by
Warning over NHS database
Privacy campaigners are warning people to think first before allowing their medical records to be uploaded to an NHS computer system.
Health chiefs are currently sending out letters explaining that electronic versions of medical files are being created on a database accessible across the country.
This means information about medications and allergies will be available in emergency situations to 'improve patient safety'.
But identity card campaign group NO2ID says the information will be available to government agencies and could be passed to the police and medical researchers.
Hemel Hempstead coordinator Colin Simmons said: "If people do nothing, miss the letter or fail to respond within the deadline, potentially highly sensitive medical information like their medications will be uploaded onto the system.
"Once your record has been viewed, the information will never be deleted.
"We encourage anyone with concerns about medical confidentiality to opt out now, as they can always change their minds and opt in later."
West Herts Primary Care Trust said 'strict security measures' were in place to protect data.
Chief executive Anne Walker said: "The Summary Care Record will play an important role in improving the quality of care delivered to patients, especially in urgent and emergency situations."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Hemel Hempstead
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: North west
