Doctors' leaders have written to the Government calling for a halt in the development of a medical records database for patients in England.

The British Medical Association reveals that the computer-based Summary Care Records are being developed at "break-neck speed", sometimes without patients' knowledge as well.

The multibillion-pound upgrade of NHS IT has fetched repeated rebuke over security concerns and a lack of enthusiasm among doctors for the technology.

It is reported that the system will eventually connect more than 30,000 GPs to nearly 300 hospitals via an online appointments system (Choose and Book), a centralized medical records system, featuring 50 million patients, e-prescriptions and faster computer network links.

In a letter to Health Minister Mike O'Brien, the British Medical Association has asked for further independent evaluation of pilot schemes framed to test the system.

The letter said, "We urge you to consider, as a matter of urgency: (i) a halt to the roll-out of the SCR in the areas which have not yet begun their Public Information Programmes; (ii) inclusion of an opt-out form in the information material to patients; and (iii) the permanent withdrawal of BMA comment from the NHS Connecting for Health promotional video”.