NhS Database

[Sara Rae]

The following was posted on The Angels Forum it maybe of intrest to some of you


In the UK the NHS is setting up a database of patient records.
This will be available to around many thousands of NHS emplloyees
and is causing concern to many in the world we live now of data collection
and snooping by insurance companies etc. We have had many recent stories
of confidential data being lost, and these datasets were supposed to
be seen by far fewer staff.

If you live in UK and use the NHS, this website will give information and
help with issues you may have with this

http://www.nhsconfi dentiality. org/

[Tina Johnson]

Although shocking, it doesn't really surprise me. When the first suggestions of ID cards were muted, many people voiced their concerns about the possible missuse of such information and the security of such - the governments response was intended to allay our fears, with the immortal phrase "Trust us - we are the government - we wouldn't do such a thing"; well ok, that may not be verbatim, but it was the message.
Although such sales of private information (if there is such a thing as private anymore), is worrying, I believe reselling of such information by these companies should be of far more concern, since the further sale of such may be harder to control; and indeed have a far greater impact on our lives. For example, would it be possible that
a potential employer could screen applicants with particular conditions such as depression?, or aperson who has once taken medication for an addiction?

quote from the site - Your demographic details are also apparently being given to MORI a private market research company (these details include name, address, GP details, NHS number, and even ex directory phone number). Again this is being done without patient consent and could have serious consequences for victims of domestic violence and people in witness protection schemes. The reason is so they can contact you to complete a GP questionnaire! Once again there is no opt out. This agreement with MORI was entered into by the Information Centre.

http://www.nhsconfidentiality.org/?m=200807