Medical Records: Data Protection

Mr. Stephen O'Brien
To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects sealed envelope software to be available for testing in each of the main established GP systems; and what plans he has to pilot sealed envelope software within established discrete GP databases before being rolled out to databases accessible by multiple providers.

Mr. Bradshaw
We expect general practitioner (GP) information technology system suppliers to begin compliance work for sealed envelope software following the next release of the software which is expected before the end of 2008. We are aware that some GP systems suppliers already provide similar functionality in existing products.

The current intention is that the same implementation approach will be used as with the summary care record, that is through assessment in early adopter sites. Final details have yet to be confirmed.

Mr. Stephen O'Brien
To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether patients are obliged to have their data recorded on the National Care Records Service.

Mr. Bradshaw
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 22 April 2008, Official Report, column 1990W.