Government Plans to Share Patient Data-through ATOS!

[tim47]

The following is a copy of a post I have placed on the Hughes Syndrome HU pages. It applies equally here and indeed elsewhere.

Can I draw the attention of all UK members, to the governments plans to share your health data.

But for a campaign by several organisations, around now, GPs would be having to supply your health data to a body contracted by government, to share your data. The recently appointed body that is to run this on behalf of government is reported to be ATOS the French firm that has brought misery to so many disabled people on benefits.

It seems that not everyone is aware of these plans, or that you are automatically opted in unless you take steps to opt out (even then, the police can still access your records). A leaflet has been send to every household- but mine was tucked in amongst the junk main that usually goes straight into the recycle bin.

Many doctors are opposed to this plan believing it will adversely affect patient client confidentiality.

The widespread opposition to these plans has resulted in their implementation being delayed for six months .

I am bringing this to your attention so that you can make an informed choice. I am not an expert on this, I just think the way it has been done is devious - and if I needed convincing, the fact that ATOS is involved is an absolute decider.

You can read plenty more, and get both sides of the arguments by going to most newspaper sites and using the search terms 'NHS Data'. Doing so on the Guardian website brings up about a hundred items.

If you wish to opt out, write to your doctor and tell him or her. If you do nothing, you are counted as agreeing. The decision is yours.

Tags Disabled people ×

[bam1993]

I picked up my 'Opt out' forms yesterday and intend to get them back to the surgery straight away. I think it is so wrong that they are doing this - there are going to be all sorts of implications down the line and it just makes a joke of the Data Protection Act if you ask me. So thank you for reminding everyone about this. I did not know about the ATOS bit-but as you said-it just sums it up really, and I think that EVERYBODY should 'opt out'!!!!

[mstr]

I certainly will ask and also opt out of this too.

[JanBad]

I completed up the opt - out confirmation form at my GP surgery reception this afternoon. You do not need see or write to your GP, just ask the receptionist.

I thought about scanning the form and posting it here, but it is specific to each GP surgery.

[Heatheric]

I have to say there is an awful lot of hype about this issue. I know a little about this so just wanted to clarify a number of things. Firstly, the NHS has been using HES (Hospital Episode Statistics) data for many years for planning purposes, assessing trends etc. This care.data programme is to include GP data with that so that there will be a full picture for planning (it is often quoted that 90% of healthcare happens outside of hospitals). The HES is anonymised (it's not your notes that go - just the demographic information such as age, sex and health service use) - my understanding is that the new system, including GP data will be similar but with even stronger safeguards to privacy. See these 2 websites of well respected, non partisan research bodies for their views - kingsfund.org.uk and search for care.data, and nuffieldtrust.org.uk and search the same.

When it comes to an individual level of patient information - I would love to think that if I turned up in a hospital A&E with some major problem, that they could see my notes from my Rheumatologist, GP and any other specialists - that would provide a much better, safer and clinically effective service - but at the moment that is not possible - and with hype like this its never likely to be!

[field]

This is outrageous! They kept it so quite. Cannot trust this Government.

Thank you for the info, I had no idea, as I have not received an opt out leaflet. I will contact my gp