The big NHS data grab and how to opt out

[Groundrush]

This isn’t a post to debate the merits or dangers of allowing your medical history to become available to all and sundry, go to the BP if you want to do that. This is simply a public service announcement that it’s about to happen and what you may wish to do about it.

https://mailchi.mp/bigbrotherwatch/n...b?e=ea943da932

[Captain Morgan]

Thanks for this, while I’d not object to pure research purposes I have serious resovations about how my personal data will be shared or sold so I’m out.

[Halitosis]

For balance, here's the NHS version, which to me appears rather less sensational and likely more reliable: https://www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters/

[monogroover]

For balance, here's the NHS version, which to me appears rather less sensational and likely more reliable: https://www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters/

Many thanks for that, reassuring. Unfortunately there's a lot of truth in the old adage about the truth getting its boots on.

[Chris_in_the_UK]

For balance, here's the NHS version, which to me appears rather less sensational and likely more reliable: https://www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters/

This appears to be doing the rounds on Social Media and a little bit of top spin has appeared in some of the media online.

I suspect the NHS version is likely the more accurate version of the situation TBH.

[K-Z1R]

Is this just NHS England or the old fashioned NHS that covered the whole of the UK? I have entered my details and I don't seem to exist...

[Onelasttime]

I'm more shocked that they've actually managed to organise a central database in the first place.

[Kingstepper]

This isn’t a post to debate the merits or dangers of allowing your medical history to become available to all and sundry, go to the BP if you want to do that. This is simply a public service announcement that it’s about to happen and what you may wish to do about it.

https://mailchi.mp/bigbrotherwatch/n...b?e=ea943da932

Should be in the BP anyway TBH. It's not simply a PSA but biased and false information from a group with a certain (some might say political) agenda.

Edit - Reading subsequent posts, looks like I'm wrong here...

[Dr Wolff]

The OP is right on this one;

https://www.theguardian.com/commenti...eds-explaining

And there only appears to be one way to opt out - getting a form from your GP surgery. What, no on-line option to opt out? And by June 23rd?

Can you imagine the joyful response from GP surgeries at having to process and be responsible for this? After all, having managed the pandemic, then the vaccine rollout, they are now drowning in the post-lockdown surge in demand...

[Dr Wolff]

For balance, here's the NHS version, which to me appears rather less sensational and likely more reliable: https://www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters/

I'm afraid this article is unrelated to the data grab the OP has highlighted. This is regarding the NHS' previous (ongoing) long-term use of data.

[Halitosis]

I'm afraid this article is unrelated to the data grab the OP has highlighted. This is regarding the NHS' previous (ongoing) long-term use of data.

Ah - apologies (though I maintain the link provided in the OP appears to be far from impartial)

[Dr Wolff]

I would agree that their agenda is questionable, but their facts are correct.
More on this;-
https://www.theguardian.com/commenti...droidApp_Other

[adrianw]

The OP is right on this one;

https://www.theguardian.com/commenti...eds-explaining

And there only appears to be one way to opt out - getting a form from your GP surgery. What, no on-line option to opt out? And by June 23rd?

Can you imagine the joyful response from GP surgeries at having to process and be responsible for this? After all, having managed the pandemic, then the vaccine rollout, they are now drowning in the post-lockdown surge in demand...

You can manage your data with the NHS app

[markbannister]

On the Watchdog section of The One Show the other night they said you had to hand in a form at the doctor I think. But I'll have a gander at my NHS app.

[adrianw]

On the Watchdog section of The One Show the other night they said you had to hand in a form at the doctor I think. But I'll have a gander at my NHS app.

To view and change your preference in the NHS App:

Go to Your health
Select Choose if data from your health and care records is shared for planning and research.
Select Make your choice.
Review the information on the page, then select Start now.
View your preference, then select Change if you want to change it.
Update your choice, then select Submit.
You can also visit www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matte

[wileeeeeey]

To view and change your preference in the NHS App:

Thank you. Much easier than printing and going to the GP.

[markbannister]

According to that Guardian article the stuff on the NHS app (which I have now changed) is different. Anyway, I now have a form to fill in as well and will swing it by the doctor while having a walk next week.

[Mainspring]

To view and change your preference in the NHS App:

Go to Your health
Select Choose if data from your health and care records is shared for planning and research.
Select Make your choice.
Review the information on the page, then select Start now.
View your preference, then select Change if you want to change it.
Update your choice, then select Submit.
You can also visit www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matte

Thanks for this - very easy to change your preference using the NHS App.

Apparently by not sharing data for “planning and research”, this doesn’t affect any ability to link your individual treatment records. Also, seems you can opt in or out fairly easily at a later date if you want to.

If I’ve misunderstood, happy to be corrected/ amend this!

[Dr Wolff]

Can I just repeat what I said above. Opting out of data sharing on the NHS App is not the same as opting out of this data grab, which you can only do by returning the form to your GP surgery by 23/6/21. Once they have your information, there is no way to opt out again later or to remove your data.

[Mainspring]

Fair points from the previous 2 posts - thanks for the clarification - much appreciated.