Database could speed up diagnosis

The database will allow doctors and nurses across the country easy access to medical records - potentially saving time, money and lives.

Critics are concerned about breaches of patient confidentiality.

But the government has stressed only those health professionals who really need to see the records will do so.

There will be very strict controls on who has access to a patient's records Lord Warner

Patients who do not wish their medical details to be shared will be able to stay off the new system - but their GPs will warn them that it might lead to a lower quality of care if, for example, they are taken into casualty unconscious after an accident.

Individuals will be able to request that specific episodes from their medical history - such as sexually-transmitted diseases or bouts of depression - are not put on the database.

Sensitive details

Once the new system is running, it will eventually be possible for sensitive details to be kept in a "sealed envelope" on the database, to be opened only in the case of an emergency.

Patients will be able to see their own electronic records and apply to have information they consider incorrect deleted or amended.

Authorised NHS staff will need smart cards and passwords to access confidential information.

Announcing the new safeguards, Lord Warner, Minister of State for NHS Delivery, said the new system had enormous potential benefits for patients.

"There will be very strict controls on who has access to a patient's records.

"However, we recognise that some people may have particular concerns about how their personal health information will be kept confidential in the new system.

"We understand that, which is why we are today setting out clearly what they can expect from the NHS and their rights to control who has access to their personal information."

Lord Warner said the new rules would be backed up with tough security measures to prevent unauthorised access to records.

Breaches

Clinicians found guilty of a serious breach of privacy under the Data Protection Act can be fined several thousand pounds, lose their NHS jobs and be struck off the medical register.

The database will create an audit trail recording who has looked at personal medical records.

It will automatically alert NHS trusts if unauthorised attempts are made to access information.

The new database will only contain a concise summary of a patient's health records.

The full record of consultations and treatments will remain in the local GP's surgery.

Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: "The guarantees announced for the NHS database are welcome, but the protection of data remains key issue.

"Why is it necessary to put patients� data all on the central server, rather than call it up from the local GP-based server when needed?