In article <[log in to unmask]>, Ahmad Risk
<[log in to unmask]> writes
>>From the BHIA list.
>
>Ahmad
>
>Forwarded by Ahmad Risk <[log in to unmask]>
>---------------- Original message follows ----------------
> From: Rod Ward <[log in to unmask]>
>NHS trusts are specifically mentioned in the white paper several times,
>and records which will be covered relate to those "in connection with
>their public functions" - this needs to be clarified. I agree that
>individual patient records must be excluded of personal privacy grounds,
I agree, you agree. But please would you point me to somewhere in the
White Paper where it actually says that individual patient records will
be excluded?? So far as I can see, it regards personal privacy as an
important interest to be taken into account, but does not rule out
access (by third parties) to individual health records.
In fact, the White Paper seems largely to confuse the issues of subject
access (ie an individual being entitled to access information because it
is about him/herself) and freedom of information (ie any member of the
public being entitled to access information about the processes of
government/public administration in order to ensure accountability).
Both are good things in principle, but require different thinking and
different exemptions/exclusions.
Perhaps I have misunderstood, but I'm worried.
--
Hilary Curtis, Executive Director, BMA Foundation for AIDS
http://www.bmaids.demon.co.uk/
Education for HIV/AIDS policy, prevention and professional practice
BMA House, Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9JP, UK
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