Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what consideration has been given to patient confidentiality and data protection in the development of the Health Bill.

The Health Bill has been subject to extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including patient groups and representatives of general practitioners (GPs). Impact assessments were also published alongside the bill, which can be found at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-bill-impact-assessments-summary/health-bill-impact-assessments-summary

In addition, the Department is currently undertaking a programme of deliberative engagement with GPs and practice managers to help shape the implementation of the single patient record.