To think that the NHS should make it easy for people to opt out of the new medical records database?

[boiledeggandsoldiers]

I received a letter about the new database this morning. The envelope contained an explanatory letter, a leaflet, postage paid envelope and a leaflet in case I want to order the information in large print, braille or a different language.

However, if I want to opt out, I have to phone them or find the information on their PCT website - the link given does not go directly to the form and it is difficult to find.

If they can include all these other items in a letter, why can't they include a form to opt out as well?

The letter that you send back to ask for info also has a tick box to request an opt-out form. Tick it, send it back in the pre-paid and they will send the opt-out form to you.

YANBU - they don't want you to opt out.

But go here

or here

or print page 3 of this

Thanks

I am not sure if I actually want to opt out or not, I just thought it could have been made more straightforward.

They've made it complicated to put people off.

The second link is from a doctor's surgery which has decided that their patients will need to opt in rather than out.

They say "The British Medical Association, as well as very many GPs, does not support presumed (or "assumed") consent but strongly believes that patients should be asked to give informed, explicit consent before any of their health records are placed on a national database, i.e. an "opt in" mechanism: your data should remain with your GP until such time as you indicate that you actively wish for it to be uploaded (if ever).

In January 2008 a poll by the British Medical Association revealed that nine out of ten doctors had no confidence in this government's ability to safeguard patients' data online or felt that they were in a position to assure patients that their data would be safe."

Which is why my brother opted out. I just disagree with the government wanting everything on databases.

I'm planning to opt out as I don't see the need for the database and no good can come of it. Also DH boldly stated that he has heard that one day insurance companies will be able to access it. Not sure if that is true, or even possible, but seems a good reason to say no.