As per reports, it has been unveiled that there are chances that NHS 111 call centre workers will be given an access to patients' private medical records.

This will be done for a purpose. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said by having an access of the medical records, staff will be better equipped to diagnose patients. Moreover, they will also be able to inform them about any life-threatening disease.

It shall, however, be noted that the staff will only get an access to the medical records if they have taken permission for the same beforehand from patients.

There are some who do not think such an action would prove advantageous. In fact, they have concerns that the act may prove risky. Privacy campaigners have affirmed that giving the access to medical records will do nothing but will risk the patient privacy.

Phil Booth, of Med-Confidential, has warned there are chances that staff may share the files. "Giving a whole bunch of people access to medical records is - in terms of security - a very bad idea", said Booth.

On the other hand, the government is working on a database of medical files. This database will help doctors, hospital staff and paramedics to share information for the betterment of patients.