A joint statement on behalf of the DoH, Connecting for Health (CfH), the GPC and NHS Employers says practices should be 'adequately informed' and supported throughout the process.

This applies to all of England, including areas such as London, which were chosen for 'accelerated roll-out'.

'CfH has agreed to work with the BMA to define an appropriate public awareness campaign,' the statement says, 'in addition to improving examples and templates for PCTs and practices to support public awareness and practice and professional involvement. Further details will be available shortly.'

GPC chairman Dr Laurence Buckman said: 'We are pleased that practices will not be under pressure to upload unless they are satisfied that their patients understand exactly what their consent means, and that all their records are set up properly.'

He added: 'This will help ensure that the SCR maintains its potential to benefit patients.'

Dr Grant Ingrams, RCGP/GPC joint IT committee chairman, said PCTs would be responsible for providing materials and information about the SCR to the public and practices.

'The PCT is the responsible body for doing the campaign and ensuring the campaign is competent and one that means the vast majority of public is made aware,' he said.

'What practices need to be saying to the PCT is: "Show us the evidence that patients have been adequately informed".'

Dr Ingrams said he wanted to see information about the SCR communicated in multiple formats, such as local radio slots, posters, billboards and signs on the sides of buses. 'We need a campaign that penetrates the population,' he said.