NHS must be beyond reproach when it comes to the use of patient data

The RCGP has responded to the National Data Guardian for Health and Care’ Review of Data Security, Consent and Opt-Outs, published today.

Professor Nigel Mathers, Honorary Secretary for the Royal College of GPs, said: “The NHS must be beyond reproach when it comes to the use of patient data for any purpose, so Dame Fiona is right to say that further steps must be taken to build public trust for the use of their information and we welcome her call for a much fuller conversation with the public.

“GPs are the most trusted healthcare professionals in the NHS, and it is important that this trust extends to the way in which we use information about our patients’ health.

“The sharing of patient data between healthcare professionals can result in better and more integrated care – there are also significant benefits, particularly for medical research, to sharing anonymised patient data.

"What is essential is that patients understand how and when information about their health - anonymised or not - is being used, and that they are confident it will be kept secure. This way, the trust patients have in their GP will be maintained."

Further Information

RCGP Press office: 020 3188 7574/7575/7633
Out of hours: 0203 188 7659
[email protected]

Notes to editor

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 50,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.

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NHS must be beyond reproach when it comes to the use of patient data