DOCTORS will soon be legally required to record gun ownership on patients' medical notes in a move welcomed by North Yorkshire Police.

The Home Office announced the move last week, and said the system will help reduce the risk of deaths caused by guns, and will be introduced due to the high correlation of licensed gun owners carrying out shootings while suffering from mental illness.

A spokesman said: "The vast majority of people who hold a firearms certificate do so without posing a risk to themselves or others. However, there have been recent cases where legal gun owners have carried out shootings after the onset of depression or dementia.

"In such cases the GP may be aware of the patient’s health condition but not that they own a gun, while the police will be aware they hold a gun licence, but not that they are suffering from depression or dementia."

The new system aims to share information between GPs and the police, and will see doctors placing a "firearm reminder code" on patients records when licences are granted.

This allows GPs to tell police if the gun owner's health deteriorates, and new guidance from the British Medical Association has been developed to help doctors and police decide whether a person is suitable to hold a firearm certificate.

The Home Office said further changes would be introduced later this year, which will see police contact the GP of every applicant for a gun licence before it is issued.

Dave Coutts, Head of Firearms Licensing at North Yorkshire Police said: "This is a positive step from the government and one we very much welcome here in North Yorkshire. The safety of our communities is paramount and this revised medical procedure will further enhance our robust vetting procedure.

"The police will write to all applicants' GPs to ensure there are no serious medical concerns. Where issues are disclosed, or arise at a later date, we will review the individuals' suitability to retain firearm.

"Additionally, GP’s will place marker on medical records if a certificate holder begins to show signs of a mental health issue that could affect their suitability to retain a firearm. GPs will also inform the police of this marker.

"We would also like to reassure certificate holders that North Yorkshire Police has been undertaking medical reviews for a significant time with no impact on an individual’s certification.

"This government change simply means that if an individual is deemed to potentially cause harm to themselves or the public due to the state of their mental health, then this threat of harm can be identified and removed at the earliest possible stage."