Here is a survey of the effects on patient confidentiality of the new systems. It has just appeared in Drugs and Alcohol Today, and has a particular focus on the effects on drug users, alcoholics and young people of centralising medical records. Will a teenager dare admit occasional cannabis use to his GP if that information is going to end up being easily accessible to police, social workers, teachers and others? What will be the effect on a professional man who seeks treatment for an incipient alcohol problem? What will happen to the quality of care, and to trust between patients and doctors?

The Health Select Committee are to start an inquiry on the NHS Care Records and are inviting comments from both individuals
3e8
and organisations.

Please support the campaign by putting your personal objections in writing to the Health Select Committee. The closing date is Friday 16th March 2007.

For more information click here.

Helen Wilkinson
National Coordinator
The Big Opt Out

People with HIV/AIDS are particularly at risk from the breakdown of medical confidentiality, and Michael Laffan has a good article about the risks of the new computer system in Positive Nation magazine

Ross

The Big Opt Out has received some major publicity in the Daily Mail today. To read the article click here.

Helen Wilkinson

National Coordinator

The Big Opt Out<