Medical records Bill would 'destroy trust'

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Eight medical professionals have urged ministers to re-think the Coroners and Justice Bill, which would allow access to patients' notes without their consent.

It is hoped sharing the information held by GPs, health centres, pharmacists and hospitals could help improve services.

But in a letter to Justice Secretary Jack Straw the doctors expressed "grave concerns" removing data protection restrictions would damage trust.

One signatory, British Medical Association chairman Dr Hamish Meldrum, said: "If patients cannot be 100 per cent sure that their records are confidential, they will inevitably be reluctant to share vital information with their doctor."

Examples where sharing information might be effective include allowing the Department for Work and Pensions to check if people claiming benefits are medically able to work. The Government said it would be reviewing the Bill.