Vol. 461 No. 4
70 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Health the measures, if any, he plans to put in place to ensure that confidentiality of patient information is guaranteed in the transfer of data between general practitioners, health boards or hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2899/96]
Limerick East): As part of the implementation of the Health Strategy, health boards are involved with general practitioners in improving patient record systems, including the computerisation of records. It is accepted that computerisation of records will be of great assistance to general practitioners in the management of their practices and in improving the quality of services provided for their patients.
In general terms, where transfer of patient data to hospitals or health boards is proposed, the provisions arising from the Data Protection Act, 1988, and the Data Protection (Access Modification) (Health) Regulations, 1989, pertaining to data banks and disclosure of personal data should be applied.
The Department has been in discussion with the Data Protection Commissioner's office in relation to clarification of procedures to be applied and the Department intends to circulate, in the near future, Protocols for the guidance of health boards and general practitioners on transfer of patient data.
