A WORCESTERSHIRE MP has opted out of a new NHS database because he is worried about privacy and the security of Government data.

Peter Luff, Conservative MP for mid-Worcestershire, has written to his GP asking his doctor not to transfer his medical notes to the central computer database, called the NHS Spine.

Meanwhile, Mike Foster, Labour MP for Worcester, will not be opting out because he said he had faith and confidence in his GP that his personal data would be secure.

Mr Luff said: "I've done this not because I have anything to hide, but on principle. I think the collection of so much sensitive information in one place is plain daft and open to massive abuse. It is a fundamental attack on our right to privacy."

The national database, nicknamed the Spine, is currently being trialled, with a view to making it mandatory throughout England. Unless individuals specifically opt-out of the scheme the Government will assume consent has been given, Mr Luff said.

The £12 billion database, which has yet to go live across the country, will include the sensitive personal history of patients who have mental illness, HIV, have taken drugs or had an abortion.

In the letter to his doctor, Mr Luff said: "I believe this to be a colossal waste of money - money which could be much better spent in the cash-strapped NHS.

"The potential for abuse is enormous. Therefore, I have voluntarily removed myself from this scheme, and would urge others to do the same."

Mr Luff said his decision to opt-out was partly prompted by the "seemingly endless list of data losses by the Government" in the last three months.

Dr Simon Parkinson, medical secretary of the Worcestershire Local Medical Committee, who represents the interests of the county's GPs, has chosen to opt-out.