§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress he has made with the order which establishes a code of confidentiality in relation to personal health information; when he expects the consultation period concerning the wording of the order to be complete; what major points are hindering its finalisation; when he expects to announce the date when individuals can have access to their own health information; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurrieConfidentiality of personal health information is protected by professional codes of ethics. A code embracing the principles of these professional codes without displacing them was requested by an interprofessional working group of health care professional interests. The group has not yet been able to secure agreement on a code from the professions represented on the group who would be responsible for36W implementing it. Before a code could be introduced the Department would wish to consult with health authority management and other bodies with an interest. The code is about the protection against the disclosure of information to others. It does not concern access by individuals to their own information.