NHS Sharing of our data - this affects us all

[Allsinging]

Hi not wanting to get heavy or political but please read this on Sharing of our data NHS.

This affects everyone of use and yet little is being said about it. In addition most of the people i have talked to know nothing about it. Please read the link http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/thenhs/rec ... -data.aspx

You have two weeks to opt out

[Beate]

Absolutely right, people ought to seriously think about opting out.

The Carers Centre informed us of this a little while ago. We have already opted out by writing. They sent us a very good, easy to fill-in opt-out form. I can pass it on to anyone who'd like it.

[tarantinoed]

I think it's a good idea. It has been publicised for a long time in my GP's surgery but you're right - I don't think a lot of people know about it (particularly the well who don't go to the GP or hospital much). I have some medical problems and take various medications and will be glad that casualty departments etc., for instance, can access this info when prescribing treatments etc. I know the risk that the data might be accessed by other parties (like everything else these days it seems) and I've made my decision on the basis that it will not be confidential. However, I'm retired and would worry more that insurers, employers etc might get access if I was younger.

[Diane65]

We all had letters in Trafford from our GPs re this ages ago asking us whether we want to opt out and as Beate says there is a very clear form enclosed to fill in. I totally understand that if you don't have any major medical conditions the reasons behind opting out but if you do time really can be of the essence and I wouldn't want to risk it by opting out especially if you have an allergy. Plus if you are ever happen to be knocked out (been there in a RTA - not my fault in case any remarks re women drivers) if A and E know what you're taking it could save your life.
Employers are not allowed access and will not be allowed access or insurance companies to anybodies medical records without the patients consent.

[asamaic]

Well, I've heard nothing from my GP!

I don't really understand these changes, TBH. My GP and hospital records are not linked up (despite me having one NHS number) but everything serious is recorded on both sets of records.

They're not talking about deleting my existing info, are they? It's about setting up a new record... But if the GP and hospital already know about me, who else needs to?

[Diane65]

Well, I've heard nothing from my GP!

I don't really understand these changes, TBH. My GP and hospital records are not linked up (despite me having one NHS number) but everything serious is recorded on both sets of records.

They're not talking about deleting my existing info, are they? It's about setting up a new record... But if the GP and hospital already know about me, who else needs to?

The existing info won't be deleted but it will be shared purely on a need to know basis ie say I got knocked down by a bus in London and was half dead the A and E would be able to access the relevant information re what I was on as I live in Manchester as otherwise wouldn't know anything about me. No one else would be able to access your records as we (NHS workers) are all traced as to what information we access so as a podiatrist I could access whether someone had a referral for surgical shoes etc as relevant but not say if someone had a termination of pregnancy as nothing to do with my job (plus that link would be blocked).

I hope I've not jinxed myself as just booked tickets for a show in London

[ejwrank]

Well, I've heard nothing from my GP!

I don't really understand these changes, TBH. My GP and hospital records are not linked up (despite me having one NHS number) but everything serious is recorded on both sets of records.

They're not talking about deleting my existing info, are they? It's about setting up a new record... But if the GP and hospital already know about me, who else needs to?

The existing info won't be deleted but it will be shared purely on a need to know basis ie say I got knocked down by a bus in London and was half dead the A and E would be able to access the relevant information re what I was on as I live in Manchester as otherwise wouldn't know anything about me. No one else would be able to access your records as we (NHS workers) are all traced as to what information we access so as a podiatrist I could access whether someone had a referral for surgical shoes etc as relevant but not say if someone had a termination of pregnancy as nothing to do with my job (plus that link would be blocked).

I hope I've not jinxed myself as just booked tickets for a show in London

I'm just now sending a stern note to London Transport telling all the bus drivers to slow down and behave when you hit town.

[Diane65]

Well, I've heard nothing from my GP!

I don't really understand these changes, TBH. My GP and hospital records are not linked up (despite me having one NHS number) but everything serious is recorded on both sets of records.

They're not talking about deleting my existing info, are they? It's about setting up a new record... But if the GP and hospital already know about me, who else needs to?

The existing info won't be deleted but it will be shared purely on a need to know basis ie say I got knocked down by a bus in London and was half dead the A and E would be able to access the relevant information re what I was on as I live in Manchester as otherwise wouldn't know anything about me. No one else would be able to access your records as we (NHS workers) are all traced as to what information we access so as a podiatrist I could access whether someone had a referral for surgical shoes etc as relevant but not say if someone had a termination of pregnancy as nothing to do with my job (plus that link would be blocked).

I hope I've not jinxed myself as just booked tickets for a show in London

I'm just now sending a stern note to London Transport telling all the bus drivers to slow down and behave when you hit town.

Thanks so much ejwrank as I would hate to miss the show

[tam9]

Sharing the data is bad, they can and will profile areas of health, healthy areas better premiums, worse areas higher premiums, it can also alienate businesses to commit to a work force in a particular area.

I really do not think this is a good thing to do at all.

[funthing29]

I remember when this was first announced back in 2011 and I was working in the NHS at the time and I immediately opted out. Seems like things have gone quiet since then but it has resurfaced now.

Not too late to opt out. Your GP surgery may even have some forms left!