THE NHS is launching a new scheme which collects data and GP records from people in England.

Initially, the General Practice Data for Planning and Research was set to begin on July 1 but this date was pushed back to September earlier today.

It is a programme that can extract data from medical records dating back 10 years.

Some critics are also worried that the data could be misused by third parties but the NHS claim that they will never sell on this medical data for profit.

Here’s everything you need to know about the NHS data scheme, including how to opt out of it if you are uncertain:

What is the data scheme?

The new system, called General Practice Data for Planning and Research, collects data from GP surgeries in England and adds them to the NHS Digital database.

Everyone is automatically enrolled in the scheme but you do have the option to opt out.

The data transfer was set to begin on 1 July but has now been moved to 1 September.

Health Minister Jo Churchill supported the GP data programme but added that ministers would use the extra time to "talk to doctors, patients and charities to strengthen the plan... and ensure data is accessed securely."

While people can opt out at any time, you currently have until 23 June to opt out and prevent any data being shared at all.

However, with the latest news on the new September date this deadline could be subject to change. 

As well as modern data, the programme will also extract data from records that were created up to 10 years ago.

According to the NHS website, patient data is used every day to improve healthcare services through planning and research in England, helping to find better treatments and improve patient care.

It helps to decide what new health and care services are required in a local area, informs clinical guidance and policy, and supports researching and developing cures for serious illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

What data will be shared?

According to NHS Digital, a range of information will be shared including:

  • data about diagnoses, symptoms, observations, test results, medications, allergies, immunisations, referrals, recalls and appointments, including information about physical, mental and sexual health
     
  • data on sex, ethnicity and sexual orientation
     
  • data about staff who have treated patients

However, NHS Digital added that they will not collect patients’ names or addresses. Any other data that could directly identify patients.

The NHS added that access to confidential patient information will not be given for marketing or insurance purposes- unless you request this.

What is the issue?

Some critics are worried that the data will be given to third parties.

Others say that the public have not been sufficiently informed about what the data transfer means.

The British Medical Association (BMA) is a trade union and professional body for doctors in the UK.

Earlier this month (4 June), they called upon NHS Digital and the Government to delay introduction of the new data scheme until the public are better informed about what it entails.

BMA GP committee executive team member and IT lead Dr Farah Jameel said: “Everyone deserves to know what happens to their healthcare data, and throughout our discussions with NHS Digital about this programme, we have stressed the importance of clear communication with the public.

“People need to fully understand what this programme means and crucially, how to opt-out of their data being shared, if this is what they want to do.

“However, recent weeks have shown that communication from NHS Digital to the public has been completely inadequate, causing confusion for patients and GPs alike.”

A spokesperson for NHS Digital maintain that the data will further benefit the National Health Service.

They added that they “do not sell data” or make any profit from it.

They told The Lancashire Telegraph: “The new system brings the data already flowing into a central repository to provide consistency and increased security.

“The data is non identifiable and is only shared with organisations who have a legal and legitimate right to access it for healthcare planning and research purposes.

“All applications go through a rigorous assessment with independent oversight involved and are published for transparency.

“We do not sell data or make any profit from providing access to it.”

How do I opt out?

John Donohoe is a Blackburn resident who will be opting out of the NHS data scheme.

He said: “I only found out about this a few days ago… I really don’t like the fact that not many people know about it.

“I’ve been trying to tell as many people as possible- and some people don’t believe it.

“I opted out straight away- it’s pretty easy to do online.”

You can opt out of the scheme at any time and you can do so on the NHS website – and you will need your name, data of birth and postcode in order to do so.

You must also be 13 years and over to do so.

Alternatively, you can send a form via post to the following address: National Data Opt Out Contact Centre NHS Digital HM Government 7 and 8 Wellington Place Leeds LS1 4AP.

Will you be opting out of the General Practice Data for Planning and Research?