Experts have ‘grave concerns’ over data sharing: the letter to Jack Straw in full


Representatives of several professional bodies have written an open letter to Jack Straw asking that medical records be exempted from clause 152:

Dear Mr Straw

We welcome your recent decision to rewrite the Coroners and Justice Bill and would like to request a meeting with you to discuss this further. We have grave concerns about the widespread powers Clause 152 of the Coroners and Justice Bill gives to ministers as written. In our view, the Bill will undermine the presumption of confidentiality, corrode trust in the doctor-patient relationship and could have a disastrous impact on both the health of individuals and the public. Many key public health goals will be put at risk. We are seeking your assurances that confidential person-identifiable health information will be exempt from this legislation and this will be included as part of the amendments to the Bill.