Did anyone notice the item in yesterday's Observer about the Scretary of
State (allegedly) planning to make independent scrutiny of the NHS a
criminal offence? The article says the plan is to focus on 'official'
studies and any group or individual trying to produce an independent report
will be subject to heavy fines (£5,000ish).
Milburn, interviewed on the Today Programme this morning, said it was a load
of 'rubbish' and that the relevant clause (Clause 59 is the one mentioned in
the paper) was about protecting confidential patient data.
Yesterday's Observer article, however, said the Secretary of State wants to
disclose patient records to third parties even when the patient and the
doctor object. Furthermore, the articles goes on, studies into deaths
arising from hospital infections will be banned and the government will have
the power to control the publication of other reports.
This sounds not only extraordinary but also very worrying. I think, if the
article is right, we should try to stop it.
I've tried getting through to Quarry House but I've got stuck in the
telephone queue for the relevant department.
(1) Does anyone have any info on this which could clarify matters?
(2) If there is a move to control academic freedom and accountability as
suggested, what should we do?
Sally Ruane
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