Many people in Ryedale have recently had letters about Summary Care Records.
The NHS are reluctantly giving people a very limited opportunity to opt out of their central database of patient's records. However, they have made opting out as difficult as possible. This may be because they don't have much concept of customer service, but is more likely to be because they don't want people to have a real choice.
The NHS have been required, by the Information Commissioner, to write to every patient to tell them about the system and the individual's right to opt out by filling out a form. You might think that the form would be included with the letter, but instead you have to write back or telephone and ask the NHS to send you a leaflet. Once you get the leaflet, which is primarily designed to persuade you to change your mind, you would need to fill in the form on the back page and send it to your local GP Practice.
Unlike the NHS, I am happy for individuals to choose whether they want to be on the database (or smoke, or drink, or eat cream cakes) although, personally, I have decided to opt out. Anyone who does not opt out now should be aware that their consent will be assumed, with a permanent record being created on the system that can never be deleted.
The opt out form is available on line, although it is difficult to find through normal searches. If you would like a copy please click here.
