Medical records sale is a ‘scam’

Although the patients’ names are not used, they can be easily identified by other means — NI number, postcode etc. Surely passing on confidential records is illegal? How can this invasion of privacy be justified? Can’t anything be done to stop it?

I’ve already opted out of the central database and am urging everyone I know to do the same, but lots of people will still not know the implications of their confidential information being up for grabs. To opt out, you need to write to your GP saying you want to do so, and it needs to be done very soon!

I’m also very worried about the future of our nation’s most treasured service, the NHS, as it is being increasingly privatised. With this government’s philosophy of greed and a dog eat dog society, no doubt they want to dismantle the NHS and welfare state completely.

Everything our parents’ and grandparents’ generations fought for and all that the post-war Labour Party stood for is going to be reversed. I can foresee that we will go back to having to pay for medical care like in the early 20th century.

I wonder what the present day Labour Party is planning to do about this. Is it going to commit to saving the NHS and keeping it free to use? I don’t hear Ed Miliband saying enough and think if Labour are to stand any chance of winning the next election he needs to make a stand on his policies and start talking now.

Linda Gamston, Rotherham