Fury intensifies over new NHS patient database being sold to private firms

Two thirds of the public oppose plans for a new NHS database getting sold to private firms.

16:21 17 February 2014

In coming weeks, GPs will have to turn over medical records which contain sensitive information such as mental health diagnoses to build a database. The ongoing plans for this database have caused uproar among the public and even 60per cent of medical practitioners.

A survey conducted by You Gov has revealed that 65per cent of the public does not agree with the plans for a new NHS database that will see details from confidential medical records being sold to private companies.

Retired GP Dr Ron Singe said: ‘The Government needs to explain who is going to get access to this data, for what purpose and for how much.’

Martin Caldwell, of pressure group SumOfUs.org, which commissioned the poll, said: ‘The consequences for ordinary people could be huge. ‘It’s not hard to imagine the value of this information to the likes of insurance companies, banks or marketing firms.’