Online data stores are proliferating, but here we are talking about a whole new level of personal data. There is already project creep, with the talk of non-NHS organisations being allowed access to data. The consent model means that you agree to all this. I don't think that I'm the only one that has reservations about my local council (and police service, followed by JobCentrePlus/DWP, the Passport Agency, let alone private insurance firms, drug companies ....) accessing my medical record (strictly for my benefit, of course) ... You make some valid suggestions about changing data only when the patient is present, but this is not workable in the system model. It also assumes that (1) everyone is honest about their details, which they often are not (drug users, alcoholics, teenage runaways, immigrants) and (2) that each patient is able to make an informed and accurate decision. Think about disability, old age and cultural (language) issues for a kick-off. What about critical care ? If I'm knocked down on holiday, the new system says that my record will be available for my care. This means that they will have to amend it to put the episode on. Oh, and the system is episodic - treatment has to be recorded in order, and there is no way of putting something in afterwards as far as I am aware. As to comparisons with the banking sector, I think the number of phishing emails that we are still inundated by suggests this is not the perfect solution to our banking needs. Unfortunately, the same vulnerable people that fall for phishing with banks are also those potentially most at risk with the new system. How can my girlfriend's father make an informed decision, since he suffers from Alzheimers ? As to how easy the system is to abuse, I don't want to scare anybody, but there will be nothing to stop me or my colleagues looking up anything we want to. Some work remotely, so add that to the equation. Now add to that to all your GP receptionists, hospital secretaries, admin departments, commisioning units, etc. etc.Yes, there will be an audit trail, but that will be shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted, put out to stud and retired three years later ...