Police want right to see medical records without consent

[unhappycamper]

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/aug/10/police-right-to-see-medical-records



Sir Peter Fahy says privacy concerns which either deny officers access to information or slow the process down cost police money and time.

Police want right to see medical records without consent
Vikram Dodd
The Guardian, Sunday 10 August 2014 13.30 EDT

Police want new and expanded rights to access medical records and other confidential data without an individual's consent, a senior police chief has told the Guardian.

Sir Peter Fahy, the Greater Manchester chief constable, said the extra access to sensitive data was needed to help police cope with growing numbers of vulnerable people.

Fahy said police frequently dealt with people struggling to look after themselves, including elderly people, people with dementia or Alzheimer's, those with drug or alcohol problems, those with mental health issues and problem families. Perhaps most controversially, he said medical professionals should share information about women suffering from domestic abuse, even against the victim's wishes.

He said demands had changed over the past two decades, with vulnerable groups now accounting for around 70% of police work. "We need to have easier access to information," he said.

[PoutrageFatigue]

1. Um, no.

Next?

[LeftishBrit]

2. No thanks