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BMA calls for suspension of national database
Released 10/03/2010
BMA writes to government calling for suspension of programme to upload patients' records to national database
The BMA has written to the government calling for a suspension of the programme to upload summaries of patients' medical records in England to a national database.
In December, the Department of Health announced that the roll-out of the Summary Care Record would be accelerated, and the BMA has serious concerns that the process is 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.
The letter to health minister Mike O'Brien, expresses 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 wants future information packs sent to the public to contain an opt-out form.
Dr Hamish Meldrum, chairman of council at the BMA, says: "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."
The BMA has also issued guidance to GPs, advising them that they have a crucial role to play in advising patients about their rights, and recommending that opt-out forms be made available in practices.