24/02/11

‘Reforms threaten patient confidentiality’

Patient confidentiality could be threatened by an over-emphasis on access to information in the Government’s Health and Social Care Bill, doctors have warned.

Dr Tony Calland, who chairs the BMA’s Medical Ethics Committee, said: “The BMA is extremely concerned by the extent of the proposed powers which would give unprecedented access to patient data.

“We are lobbying the Government to ensure the Bill is changed so it enshrines the need for explicit patient consent for any disclosure of information, unless the information has been properly anonymised, pseudonymised or there is an overriding public interest. All bodies accessing health records should be bound by a strict and clear code of conduct.”

Dr Vivienne Nathanson, Head of Science and Ethics at the BMA, added: “The Health Bill proposes that a number of bodies – including the Secretary of State for Health, the newly formed Commissioning Board and the NHS Information Centre – should be given the right to obtain and disclose confidential patient information for any number of unspecified purposes.

“There is very little reference to rules on patient confidentiality that would ensure patients are asked before their information is shared or guarantee that the patient’s identity will not be revealed. Fears that their data may be shared with others may result in patients withholding important information; this may not only affect their own health but has implications for the wider health service.

“By failing to put in place proper safeguards, the Government is potentially removing the control doctors and, most importantly, patients have over their confidential data. This conflicts with government promises that patients will be given greater control over their medical records.”

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