Senior medical professionals are sounding the alarm over new NHS digital services that grant patients automatic online access to their full medical records, warning that the system could compromise patient safety and place unsustainable pressure on GP practices.
The initiative, part of the NHS's digital transformation programme, enables patients to view their complete medical history through online platforms and NHS apps without requiring prior consent from their general practitioner.
Safety Concerns for Vulnerable Patients
Medical leaders have identified several critical risks associated with automatic record access. Doctors fear that sensitive information about serious diagnoses, mental health conditions, or domestic abuse situations could be discovered by patients without proper clinical support and counselling.
Dr. Margaret McCartney, a Glasgow-based GP and writer, emphasised the potential dangers: "There are numerous instances where immediate access to records could cause significant harm. Patients discovering cancer diagnoses or mental health conditions without medical guidance could experience severe psychological distress."
Increased Administrative Burden on GPs
The new system is creating additional workload pressures for already stretched GP practices. Doctors report spending increasing amounts of time reviewing and potentially redacting sensitive information from records before they become visible to patients.
One GP practice manager revealed they've had to allocate substantial staff hours to record-checking duties, diverting resources from direct patient care. "We're essentially becoming censors rather than clinicians," one anonymous GP commented.
Confidentiality and Coercion Risks
Further concerns have been raised about third-party access to sensitive medical information. Family members, carers, or even abusive partners could potentially gain access to patient records through shared devices or coercion.
Medical professionals note that the system lacks adequate safeguards to prevent such breaches of confidentiality, particularly for vulnerable adults and young people.
Calls for Rethink on Digital Implementation
While supporting the principle of greater patient involvement in healthcare, medical leaders are urging NHS England to reconsider the implementation approach. They advocate for an opt-in system rather than automatic access, allowing for proper patient preparation and clinical assessment.
The British Medical Association has echoed these concerns, stating that patient safety must remain the paramount consideration in all digital healthcare initiatives.
As the NHS continues its digital transformation, the tension between technological advancement and patient welfare remains a critical challenge requiring careful navigation and professional oversight.
