NHS Sharing of our data - this affects us all

[opas]

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!

Like funthing29 I opted out in 2011 (or a few years ago, can't remember the exact year but 2011 sounds right).

Sorry, read the whole thread but I'm not clear as to whether we need to opt out again? are they dressing this up as something new so our previous instructions are null and void?

[Beate]

If you are not entirely sure you can always check with your GP what the state of your opt-out is and opt out again if necessary - all it is is filling in a short form with your details. The form that has been posted here a couple of times now is the one that includes the two codes that your GP ought to put against your file to mark it as opted out.

[canadian_turtle]

I filled in the form, went to my GP, had to fill in their form and asked for written confirmation of the opt-out. She put a post-it on my form but said it's doubtful I get a confirmation. It all looks so prone to going wrong (form misplaced, send too late, etc) how can I check this has actually been processed? Is there a way I can contact the other end (not the GP) to see if they've received it?

[opas]

Thanks Beate, think I'll fill the form out again and double check they still have me and my family down for the opt-out.

[The Sparrow]

I heard this on the news this evening.

Plans have been delayed.

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style ... 37136.html

[alythonian]

England only as far as I understand it?

[seven77]

I just completed the form to opt out. Doctors were supposedly obliged to offer patients the option a while back. And as far as I understand it....in addition, the NHS is able to sell your information to private pharmaceuticals etc....supposedly anonymously but if they have your emails etc. that's hardly anon. This has been a questionable issue for sometime and it's only recently got press attention. Privacy invasion is at a height now. The ordinary man can hardly do a thing about it...it's such a pervasive abuse of human rights.

[Ms Thrifty]

Privacy invasion is at a height now. The ordinary man can hardly do a thing about it...it's such a pervasive abuse of human rights.

I do know what you mean, seven777, and it's tempting to think this, but we can usually do something, even belatedly and in a small way. Does anyone else remember being taught - this was dunned into me at school - that "The price of freedom is eternal vigilance"?

Of course many people don't even have freedom, as we are lucky to know it, in the first place...

[seven77]

Privacy invasion is at a height now. The ordinary man can hardly do a thing about it...it's such a pervasive abuse of human rights.

I do know what you mean, seven777, and it's tempting to think this, but we can usually do something, even belatedly and in a small way. Does anyone else remember being taught - this was dunned into me at school - that "The price of freedom is eternal vigilance"?

Of course many people don't even have freedom, as we are lucky to know it, in the first place...

I respect your opinion but I don't think you understood my point. And without meaning to be rude your response reads a little idealistic and rose tinted

[drjakeya]

anyone can already find out anything if they look hard enough, so might as well opt in so healthcare professionals can access your notes when your admitted to a&e unconscious and avoid giving you the drug you're allergic to.

Better healthcare (staying alive) vs (perhaps) more privacy?

I opt in!