Guidance on NHS Electronic Care Records

The Information Commissioner’s Office has published an opinion on NHS Electronic Care Records. At only 4 pages long, it can’t really go in to all the ins and outs of personal data in the NHS, but it makes clear that the ICO expects the NHS to comply with the Data Protection Act and have sufficient conditions for processing. Contrary to a lot of the press coverage, it seems that the ICO has been reassured by promises that consultations with patients will occur before information is uploaded, and opportunities to opt-out of the collection of certain information will be given.