Doctors’ leaders express concerns over patient confidentiality

The government's controversial health and social care bill could threaten patient confidentiality, the British Medical Association (BMA) has warned.

Health reforms contained in the bill could see patient records shared with a greater number of individuals without their consent, according to the organisation.

Bodies such as the new Commissioning Board and the NHS Information Centre would have the right to obtain and disclose confidential data for various purposes, prompting concerns that some patients may withhold important information about their health as a result.

Dr Vivienne Nathanson, head of science and ethics at the BMA, accused the government of placing "its desire for access to information over the need to respect patient confidentiality".

The association has asked the government to change the bill to ensure the need for explicit patient consent for any sharing of information is safeguarded, other than in exceptional circumstances.

However, a spokesman for the Department of Health stated that the bill will not undermine confidentiality and is consistent with laws such as the Data Protection Act.