IN YOUR article in the February 28 issue, concerning the above, please note that the opt out form that you refer to and direct your readers to, is to opt out of the Summary Care Records, which has been in operation for a while. 

The new database that you refer to is under the control of the Health and Social Care Information Centre (Care data), and is totally separate from the Summary Care Programme.

Michael McCarthy

Bow

 • Many thanks to Michael for clarifying this for the Courier and our readers, and we apologise to any readers who may have been directed to the Summary Care Records Database.

The local surgery's recommend that anyone wishing to opt out of the Health and Social Care Information Centre (Care data), should inform their doctor in writing.

Patients from Chiddenbrook Surgery can also visit the website: http://www.chiddenbrook-surgery.nhs.uk">www.chiddenbrook-surgery.nhs.uk where information and an opt out form are available.