NHS data is big concern

The public should be aware that there are plans for all personal data held by GP surgeries to be transferred to a central database without their consent on 25th August unless they choose to opt out.

This involves filling in a form and sending it to your practice manager so that your opt out choice can be actioned (see https://medconfidential.org/how-to-opt out/).

Although NHS Digital is in charge of this process and present it as an improved way of collecting data, the secretive approach to the new system has rung alarm bells over consent, data safety, patient privacy and potential exploitation by private companies.

While such data could be very valuable to the

NHS for the purposes of research and planning, many people including GPs are uncomfortable with patients not being informed of the proposals. GPs in London’s Tower Hamlets have said they will not hand over data until patients have been fully informed.

The unique set of patient data held by the NHS is seen as a very valuable resource, worth billions of pounds to insurance companies and those wishing to sell medical products directed at targeted populations.

Many of us would wish our data to be used exclusively for the benefit of the NHS and for there to be a guarantee that such highly personal information would be securely protected, and not shared with private businesses.

The data has huge potential to benefit patients, so the government and

NHS Digital bear a great responsibility to be open and transparent; to inform the public of safeguards and access arrangements; to win trust and then obtain informed consent. Until this process is completed, some people may wish to opt out. This decision can be reversed at a later date should they change their mind.

Laura Murrell Ashbrooke