NHS patient record changes could cut A&E visits by 20,000

Key facts

• Reforms to the NHS records system could result in 20,000 fewer visits to A&E annually.
• The Department of Health and Social Care states reforms will give patients more control over their care.
• The British Medical Association has raised concerns about the new law.
• BMA fears the law could allow for inappropriate use of patient data.

The UK's National Health Service (NHS) is proposing changes to how patient records are managed. The government believes these reforms will empower patients and significantly decrease the number of non-critical visits to Accident & Emergency departments. However, medical professionals are voicing apprehension regarding the potential privacy implications of these changes.