Received A Letter To Day From The Nhs......

[10ClarionSt]

.....inviting me to take part in something called Our Future Health. It says that Our Future Health will be the UKs' largest ever health research programme, with up to 5 million volunteers. It says the aim is to help researchers prevent, detect and treat diseases earlier. All kinds of data protection gubbins goes with it but is it worth taking part? What do people think? Did you get one, perhaps?

[gness]

What a good idea. I think you would do well to take part, 10C but make sure it's not scientists doing the research before you sign up.

[Buenchico]

It looks perfectly sound and sensible to me:
https://ourfuturehealth.org.uk/

It seems that it's only currently up and running in Birmingham, Bradford, central London, Huddersfield, Leeds, Nottingham and Manchester at the moment, although it's still possible to sign up from other areas and then await further information.

[10ClarionSt]

I've had a look at the website but decided not to do it. Seems quite intrusive to me. I know some people will say that is necessary with things like this, but I'll give it a miss. Thanks for the replies.

[10ClarionSt]

The main reason I'm not doing it is because they want my DNA, and I aint doing that.

I strongly believe that no-one should give their DNA, unless they want to. I don't think the police, or anyone else should have any right to demand a sample of DNA, unless, and until, someone has been found guilty of a crime.

DNA is you. It's who you are. It's probably your ultimate possession. And no-one should be forced to give that up.
I seem to have done a bit of a body swerve there, haven't I? :o)

[davebro]

I did one for years (it's ended now) to determine if it was better to take BP meds in the morning or evening. Initially I had to send in BP readings & later just report any significant health changes.

I think they found it didn't make any difference when you take the meds!

[davebro]

// I don't think the police, or anyone else should have any right to demand a sample of DNA, unless, and until, someone has been found guilty of a crime.//

So you rule out taking mass DNA samples in order to try to catch a rapist/murderer? Or to check if a suspect already has a criminal record?

[10ClarionSt]

If a suspect has a criminal record it would probably be on the database anyway.

I wouldn't rule out mass samples but only if they were voluntary.

[douglas9401]

Mass samples could be problematic with all those people using the one chalice.

[ladybirder]

I'm sure all the criminals will volunteer their DNA!!!

I guess then if you don't volunteer you are a criminal LOL.

[10ClarionSt]

No, not at all, ladybirder. Those that don't volunteer can then be questioned.

[ladybirder]

Sorry 10, I was being silly. My bad.

[jno]

every time you have a beer in the pub, every time a hair falls out, you leave DNA behind. Still, forcing them to look for it rather than handing it over to the government seems sensible.

[10ClarionSt]

However, I believe there are certain circumstances where you cannot refuse to give a DNA sample. I'm sure it was on TV some time ago. Can't remember the circumstances and I aint Googling for a link folks!

[douglas9401]

I'm beginning to favour a DNR for this thread.

[jno]

Clarion, as I understand it, the police can require you to provide a DNA sample if they're arresting you for a serious offence - and they can keep it even if you're tried and acquitted. That seems excessive power already, I can't see any reason to help them out any further.

[Canary42]

Some years ago I experienced a trivial incident which got me thinking about DNA evidence. I was reading a library book in bed when what looked suspiciously like a pubic hair fell out of the book into my bed.

Just supposing it belonged to a murder victim who was killed at a time for which I had no alibi. Whoooaa, don't go there Canary.

[Buenchico]

With regard to DNA sampling by the police see here initially
https://justice.org.uk/dna-retention-police/
and then here for further information about 'recordable offences':
https://unlock.org.uk/advice/recordable-offences-2/

People traveling to any one of 28 European countries from next May will have their fingerprints taken. So (unless we stay at home, of course) we're all going to have to get used to having such data being stored by 'the authorities' anyway:
https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/general-information_en

[douglas9401]

You may be, err, reading too much into that, Canary.

Odd bookmark though.

[Tilly2]

Canary, that's one of the reasons that I don't use library books now. You don't know where they've been.

[Togo]

//I was reading a library book in bed when what looked suspiciously like a pubic hair fell out of the book into my bed.//

Was it Fanny Hill?