Comment from Professor John Williams following the release of the Review of data security, consent and opt-outs carried out by the national data guardian, Dame Fiona Caldicott.
On the review, which recommended greater public involvement as to how patients' medical records are stored, Professor John Williams, director of the RCP's Medical Informatics Unit, said:
The Royal College of Physicians welcomes the national data guardian’s Review of data security, consent and opt-outs. Dame Fiona Caldicott has clearly identified the need to balance individual privacy with the wider benefit to the population from new knowledge through research, and we look forward to the outcome of the proposed consultation on her proposals.
