The NHS also reiterated that patients will be automatically opted-in to the scheme, unless they request not to have their details stored. They can do this by replying within 12 weeks to an information letter they receive in the post.

The controversial rollout of SCRs has already taken place in six pilot areas, Bolton, Bury, Bradford, Dorset, South West Essex and South Birmingham. An official study of some pilots highlighted concerns that many did not receive the information letter, and of those who received it, a significant number what it meant, and were set to be automatically opted in.

The national rollout of summary care is now taking place, with London's first SCRs being uploaded. The NHS has decided to include patients' end-of-life care wishes on the records, including where they would like to die if terminally ill, a change that was welcomed by several charities.

But doctors' professional body the British Medical Association today told Computerworld UK that it was not at all convinced that it was right to automatically opt in patients to SCRs.

"The policy simply has to be that patients choose to opt in if they want," a spokesperson said. "Patients need to be treated like adults where they make a conscious decision to be a part of it or not to be a part of it."