§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action she is taking to guarantee the confidentiality of medical records; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe confidentiality of personal health information is protected by the common law, the ethical obligations of health professionals and, where the information is held in computerised form, by provisions of the Data Protection Act 1984.
The National Health Service Management Executive issued guidance in September 1992, EL(92)60, which advised the NHS of the need to secure the confidentiality of personal information in the context of contracting, and which also reminded the NHS of the importance of safeguarding the security of its information systems. In addition, the Department plans to issue for consultation draft guidance to the NHS on the confidentiality, use and disclosure of personal health information. Copies of the guidance, EL(92)60, are available in the Library.