Trials of NHS medical records central electronic database - Bolton

First test launched of NHS's controversial 'Spine' database Guardian report

Extract:

"The government's plan to put the medical records of every NHS patient in England on a central electronic database will begin first trials tomorrow at two carefully selected GP practices in the north-west.

About 14,500 patients in Bolton will be told their confidential medical details will be uploaded to a national data warehouse known as the Spine, unless they object.

Their reaction will be the first test of whether patients accept the government's argument that a national electronic record can save lives - or agree with campaigners for personal privacy who see the scheme as a lurch towards a Big Brother state."