Medical records Bill would 'destroy trust'

DOCTORS have warned that plans to share confidential medical records with government departments and private companies could damage patient confidentiality.

Eight medical professionals have urged ministers to re-think the Coroners and Justice Bill, which would allow access to patients' notes without their consent.

It is hoped sharing the information held by GPs, health centres, pharmacists and hospitals could help improve services.

But in a letter to Justice Secretary Jack Straw the doctors expressed "grave concerns" removing data protection restrictions would damage trust.

One signatory, British Medical Association chairman Dr Hamish Meldrum, said: "If patients cannot be 100 per cent sure that their records are confidential, they will inevitably be reluctant to share vital information with their doctor."

Examples where sharing information might be effective include allowing the Department for Work and Pensions to check if people claiming benefits are medically able to work. The Government said it would be reviewing the Bill.