PATIENT PRIVACY WARNING OVER NEW NHS APP
Concerns over bid to ‘modernise’ GP services
A NEW phone app that lets Scots patients view test results and medical letters has sparked privacy warnings following previous ‘shambolic’ NHS schemes.
patients will be able to view the information via the app in a move to modernise health care.
The Scottish Government says the app will act as a ‘digital front door’ to NHS services, allowing patients to access their own health information and seek online advice.
But there are concerns after its ‘shambolic’ vaccine passport scheme, which was plagued with technical problems upon launch, with widespread faults persisting for several weeks.
Critics said there must be ‘no threat’ to security and privacy before the technology is rolled out.
The plan is set out in the Scottish Government’s Digital Health and
Care Strategy. The pandemic accelerated the use of digital health care in the NHS, including video and phone appointments, online GP consultations and apps such as the NHS Scotland Covid Status app and the Test and Protect Check in Scotland app.
Now digital services will become ‘the first point of contact for many people’, the strategy says.
Under the plans, which will not be compulsory for all patients, people would download a new app and after authenticating their identity through their NHS account, they would use it
‘Patients must be sure this is up to the job’
to access health and care. Although the details of the services have not yet been confirmed, they are likely to include ordering repeat prescriptions, organising hospital appointments after being referred by a GP, viewing the details of test results and even contacting their GP for an online consultation.
The Scottish Government Digital Health and Care Strategy states: ‘A safe, simple and secure digital app will support people to access information and services directly – like a “digital front door” – as well as self-manage, and access and contribute to their own health and care information.’
Scottish Conservative health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane said: ‘The SNP Government doesn’t have a good track record in launching apps, as their shambolic vaccine passport scheme – which was hugely expensive and plagued with technical failings – proved. Patients need to be sure this app is up to the job and there is no threat to their data security and privacy.
‘The SNP must also ensure that those who don’t have access to the app, including elderly and vulnerable patients, are not disadvantaged by not having it.’
Dr Andrew Cowie, deputy chair of the British Medical Association’s Scottish GP Committee, said: ‘Information has to be presented in such a way that it informs patients rather than confusing them, and ensures there are sufficient safeguards around confidentiality in place.’
Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: ‘The Scottish Government need to ensure this isn’t just another superficial exercise that’s successful in name only.
‘Last year the Scottish Government’s digital vaccination passport shared the personal data of users with the likes of Amazon and Royal Mail.
‘It’s not about the SNP and their desire to be shiny, modern and cool. It’s about ensuring that patients get clear, accessible and confidential healthcare advice in a reasonable timeframe.’
Age Scotland chief executive Brian Sloan said: ‘Around half a million over-60s don’t have access to the internet and only about a third use smartphones, so it’s vital that those without digital access are not left out of the loop. Equally efficient non-digital alternatives must remain available.’
A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘Digital routes to access health and care information are being developed, including a safe and secure app where people can view information contained in their records, such as test results and letters.’