NHS database doubts
April 2010
Most people in Sheffield should now have received a letter from their GP or from the Department of Health informing them that parts of their medical record will be uploaded to a central database as a 'Summary Care Record.' If you haven't received a letter then it may be worthwhile getting in touch with your GP and checking that they have an up-to-date address on their records.
NO2ID advises that there is a choice, to opt out download this form which has explanations: www.no2id.net/downloads/SCR_optout_sheet.pdf
Fill in the form and either hand it in to the reception (preferably in an envelope addressed to your GP and marked 'Private and Confidential') or make an appointment with your GP and hand it to them directly. Please note that NO2ID are not advocating that everyone should opt out, each patient should make an informed choice about whether or not they want a Summary Care Record. NO2ID's advice for anyone who is unsure is to opt out now and you can change your mind later, this way you avoid having a record on the system at all. If you have a record created for you now, and then opt out later your record will be hidden but not deleted and could still be vulnerable to data-loss or unauthorised access.
There is more information on NO2ID's website at
www.no2id-sheffield.net/index.php/Local_Issues:NHS_Patient_Confidentiality
and at the BigOptOut website:
www.nhsconfidentiality.org
