Ahead of the NHS Modernisation Bill having its second reading in Parliament on Monday, Dr David Wrigley, deputy chair of the BMA’s GP committee England (GPC England), said:
“While the idea of a Single Patient Record and today’s headlines from the Government may sound appealing to patients, GPs, as the long-time and dedicated custodians of patient data, have some real concerns around what it means for security and confidentiality.
“GPs have protected patients’ confidential records since the inception of the NHS in 1948 – a legal duty that they take incredibly seriously. However, we need clarity that this important GP oversight will not be taken away, otherwise it will raise serious questions about who is safeguarding patients' data.
“We must make sure that this law does not open up possibilities for patient data to be used inappropriately for purposes that patients would not reasonably expect and that existing high standards of data governance and protections continue to apply to promote public confidence that their data is held safely and handled with respect.
“It remains unclear what form the Single Patient Record will take and if it will build on existing technologies, such as GP Connect, which already opens up the GP record to NHS organisations offering direct care, or if it will require a wholesale duplication of existing health records with control of this copy given to Government.
“Ambitions to address fragmentation, improve productivity and reduce bureaucracy are laudable, but they cannot come at the price of undermining confidentiality and public trust.
“As family doctors, we take our responsibility for patients’ private and sensitive health information incredibly seriously, and it’s vital that these concerns are not brushed under the carpet by a Government intent on steamrolling ahead chasing headlines and soundbites.”
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Notes to editors
The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.