Confidential records turnaround following RCN pressure
Published: 09 March 2009
The Health Service Journal has reported that the Government has announced that it intends to drop proposals which may have allowed them to access medical records. This comes after the RCN, alongside other health care organisations, had last week warned the proposals may result in confidential medical records being passed to third parties.
In a letter to the Government, health care organisations expressed ‘grave concerns’ about the widespread powers given to Ministers in Clause 152 of the Coroners and Justice Bill as it was originally written, and requested an urgent meeting with Justice Secretary Jack Straw.
It has been reported that Jack Straw has now asked for the clause to be withdrawn and ordered the launch of a further consultation.
Further information
Read: Healthcare professions call on government to re-think data-sharing proposals (03 March 2009) on the British Medical Association website. This press release also contains a copy of the letter sent to Jack Straw.
The following organisations signed the letter:
- British Medical Association
- Royal College of Surgeons of England
- Royal College of Nursing
- Medical Protection Society
- Medical Defence Union
- Royal College of General Practitioners
- Faculty of Public Health
- Academy of Medical Royal Colleges.
Go to the Health Service Journal website.