The NHS has put the rollout of a controversial database back to September following concern from patients and health bodies.
Patients had only until June 23 to inform their GPs they did not want to be part of the digital system, which is set to store medical records.
On Tuesday (June 8) the government announced the system will begin on September 1 - having previously been slated to be July 1.
The British Medical Association and the Royal College of GPs had put forward their concerns, while political leaders in Islington and Kilburn also voiced worries.
Health minister Jo Churchill told MPs this afternoon: “We are absolutely determined to take people with us on this journey, we have therefore decided we will proceed with the important programme, but we will take some extra time."
She added that the government was still committed to the programme, which she said would "strengthen the system" and "save lives".
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here