The article appeared in the Courier on February 21.

It explained that the launch of the controversial new NHS database would be postponed until the autumn.

This decision has been welcomed by many, including Devon's health watchdog, Healthwatch.

Safety concerns have been raised over the care.date scheme, which will combine all patients medical records on one huge database.

This information, NHS England says: "Will be shared by those who plan health and social care services, as well as with approved researchers and organisations outside the NHS."

Every household should have received an explanatory leaflet, yet many have not and of those that have, many found it difficult to understand.

If patients do not opt out their records will automatically be added to the database, which may be run by ATOS!

People can opt out of the scheme by letting their doctor know.

Most of the people I spoke to have concerns over the safety of their medical information. What will happen to the trust between patient and doctor, if there is a worry about confidentiality?

Please let me know what you think. Contact me at 102 High Street, Crediton or email: [email protected]">[email protected].

Readers are also invited to take part in the poll on the Courier website: http://www.creditoncouriernewspaper.co.uk">www.creditoncouriernewspaper.co.uk .

What you told us ..........

We do not like the idea of our information being put on to a database. So much has been stolen over the years, particularly from the banks. Barclays recently lost a lot of customer information. We worry that we can be traced from the information given. When you talk to your doctor it should be in confidence - it's a bridge too far!

Mary and Francis Stephenson, Bow

It doesn't sound too bad although I've not really had a chance to think about it. I would not mind my information being used. I have been having chemo for the past six months and I am often asked to fill in forms and they always asked for permission for my information to be used.

Geoffrey Stevens, Crediton

I must admit that I have concerns about the safety of internet based information. Until we can be more confident there will be issues. It does have the advantage of speed for important information, but I am sceptical.

Stephanie Walshe, Exeter

My concerns are that it does not seem to have been thought through properly. People can hack into computer systems. I have concerns over the safety of the database.

Crediton resident

ONLINE POLL

We asked our readers: Do you think that Crediton is losing vital services?

At the time of going to press the results showed:

Yes 75 %

No 25 %