§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) who, apart from doctors, has access to patients' notes in hospitals;
(2) whether hospital managers have right of access to patients' notes.
§ Mr. SackvillePersonal health information is handled on a strict "need to know" basis in the national health service. Besides doctors and other health professionals, managers and administrative staff may also need to see patients' notes in order, for example, to plan services and arrange appointments. Individual members of staff should only have access to that part of the information which is necessary for them to carry out their duties. Advice to the NHS on this will be included in the guidance on confidentiality which we hope to issue for consultation shortly.