Calls For Medical Upload Freeze

The Government has been urged to suspend the electronic uploading of medical records to a national database.

According to the British Medical Association (BMA), patients have not been given enough information about the opt-out scheme.

In December, the Department of Health announced that the roll-out of the Summary Care Record would be accelerated.

BMA raised concerns that the process was being carried out too quickly.

Patients can opt out of having a record created, and the BMA believes they are receiving insufficient information about the choices they can make.

GPs have reported that the rushed implementation of the programme means they do not have time to support patients in making an informed choice, and that in some cases records are being created without even implied consent from patients.

A letter sent from BMA to health minister Mike O’Brien has expressed concern that the roll-out of the Summary Care Record has been accelerated before sufficient independent evaluation of pilots has taken place.

It calls for the Department of Health in England to urgently consider halting implementation in areas which have not yet launched Public Information Programmes.

In addition, the BMA said it wants future information packs sent to the public to contain an opt-out form.

Dr Hamish Meldrum, Chairman of Council at the BMA, said: "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 I.T. will be further eroded."

(PR/GK)