Give us medical data opt-out

I MUST share the concern expressed in your report about the NHS in Scotland sharing patients’ health information with university researchers and private companies without their consent such a safeguard (“Fears over £63m plan to exploit medical records”, The Herald, June 19).

Despite NHS assurances that the anonymity of patients would be protected, in the past NHS databases have been hacked and we now live in a world bedevilled by cybercrime which has destroyed public faith in the security of internet data.

When confidential information is released to academic institutions and private firms, one must be concerned that security could become secondary to research and the pursuit of profits and therefore it’s only right that patients are given the opportunity to opt-out, however cumbersome the procedure might be.

In general, I have no strong objections to the release of my personal health information which might bring benefits to other people but beforehand I would like to receive an explanation of why the transfer of data is necessary and be given the chance to opt out. I trust Nicola Sturgeon will bring in such a safeguard.

Bob Macdougall, Kippen.