Plans to allow GPs’ information on their patients to be collated in a central database which could be accessed by third parties such as pharmaceutical firms and researchers has been delayed after pressure from campaigners and medical organisations. However there is still anger that people will have to opt out if they wish to ensure their details will not be used and that this has not been advertised widely.
In what has been described as ‘the biggest data grab in NHS history’ the records of 55 million patients in England were to be stored by NHS Digital. However there are concerns about how this information is going to be used and also fears that it could erode the privacy between family doctors and their patients. Historical records dating back ten years and new information will be stored and some think this could stop people telling their doctors confidential personal details for fears they could be shared.
The scheme was due to start on July 1st, with members of the public given the chance to opt out until just over week before that. But now it has been delayed until September 1st.
Jo Churchill, Under-Secretary for Health and Social Care said the extra time would be used “to talk to patients, doctors, health charities and others to strengthen the plan, build a trusted research environment and ensure that data is accessed securely.”
But there is still anger that these plans and details on what to do if you decide you do not want your records stored, are not widely known. The pressure group medConfidential which ‘defends the confidentiality you desire for your medical records’ has produced a guide on how to opt out. This involves a letter to your GP to stop NHS Digital from collecting your information, and an electronic form to prevent them from sharing it. It has been advised that people take both steps.
However, there are cases in which your data will be shared regardless of what you choose e.g. national emergencies such as the present coronavirus crisis.
