The Government has announced a 2-month delay of implementing planned NHS data collection in response to various criticisms.
This follows outcry from patients, privacy advocates, medical professionals and MPs. The scheme was initially scheduled to start on July 1 – but the delay was announced to “ensure that data is accessed securely” according to Health Minister Jo Churchill.
Critics of the scheme have welcomed the move to delay data collection which the NHS say would benefit public health. Data that was planned to be shared included information that could identify a patient and match medical records such as historical healthcare records or medicines that have been prescribed. There remains privacy concerns about how patient data will be shared, and who with. Some have seen it as a big ‘data grab’ – but the Government, despite the delay, seem determined to press on with its plans.
The use of this data, according to the NHS Website, is to:
– plan and improve health and care services
– research and develop cures for serious illnesses
NHS Your Data Matters
You can read the official letter from NHSX (source) regarding the extension of the implementation.
If you would like to use the National Data Opt-out, you may do so at this link: https://www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters/manage-your-choice/ – you will need to be 13 or older with an email address or mobile number and have your NHS number at the ready (alternatively, you can use your surgery postcode).
You can read all the official information regarding NHS data collection over at NHS Digital’s website: https://digital.nhs.uk/services/national-data-opt-out
Please note this only applies to patients in England. NHS services in other UK nations are not affected.