NHS database

[237SJ]

I had the letter a while ago about my details going onto the NHS Spine database and decided I wasn`t too bothered about it. I`ve now decided after talking to a friend in the medical world that I would like to opt out. Is it too late? I know there was a cut off date but can I opt out after that date? After all, if someone was to come to the UK and join the NHS tomorrow, they would probably have the option of opting out so it must be possible to do somehow

[Old_Geezer]

Don't know.

Surely someone coming into the UK isn't going to be taken off, but not put on in the first place, which is slightly different.

[Greedyfly]

Can I ask for your reasons to opt out?

I was also put on this database and didn't see any reason not to be on it but since seeing your I am wondering if I should have opted out also?!

[237SJ]

I didn`t say they`d be taken off. I said they could opt-out

[squarebear]

I don't see why anyone would want to be removed from it. If I was in an accident, the quicker they can access my records, the better.

[China Doll]

If you know there's a cut off date and if this date has passed then I would say that you probably couldn't as you've signed up for it but that it would best to call the details on the letter and ask if it is a possibility.

Not sure what the latter part about coming to the UK and joining the NHS has to do with anything. Presumably they'd be subject to a cut off date themselves and could find themselves int eh same situation.

[LoftyLottie]

I agree with Squarebear. I feel happier that if rendered unconscious or in severe pain that my records show that certain drugs are completely no go for me.

[Greedyfly]

You didn't sign up for it really, they signed you up for it. We just choose not to opt out.

I shall not worry about it then - I was unsure what it was all about but it is beneficial to everyone by the looks of it!. Although I am positive the drugs I cannot have will not be on that list as they ask EVERY time I have surgery and never have record of it.

[rowanwitch]

The info on the spine will initially be very limited, and they will still need to cross check everytime you are admitted or have an 'episode/contact' with aconnected part of the service...... ideally everyone will have a set of combined electronic casenotes but deeper protection and more restricted access for highly confidential issues...I will probably die of old age before it happens.

[woofgang]

you said it rowanwitch. I was involved in trying to get this up and running in Hampshire before I retired nearly 3 years ago. Its a pity because its a really good idea and (when fools don't screw up and lose unencrypted data) WAY more secure than paper notes which are hell to read and totally unsecure. The point of the spine is NO loads onto computers, discs or memory sticks, all the data is held on the spine and only viewed on the local computer. There is a personal ID/password system that tracks all access and random checks to make sure that no one is accessing data without permission and a good reason.

[Old_Geezer]

But if you are already on their database then an opt-out Is a taken off activity. That was the point.

In answer to some here ther may be many reasons to opt out, fear that personal information is not secure is one of them, access to it for all and sundary in the medical profession being another. And who knows how long it'll take before being flogged to the insurance companies ?

[rowanwitch]

I have to access patient electronic data as part of my work... you just get into the habit of homing in on the bit of info you want and thats it... no browsing peoples secrets etc...A number of people I know have been patients here I would never look at their record, and where once I needed to for work purposes I asked a colleague to perform the task for me Its just respect for patients and of course fear of getting the sack... data protection istaken very seriously

[Greedyfly]

Too right it is. I have done nothing but research the NHS of late - trying to get a job there and in interviews it is always stressed just how important confidentiality is. I cannot imagine anyone wanting to access the info for personal gain, what would they get from it?!

[ethandron]

do the receptionists or the ladies who do the repeat prescriptions at the gp's have complete access to patients files? or is it just the gp's who can access them?
i have a friend who believes that one of the receptionists saw something rather embarrassing on her husbands file as she made a comment about his condition/problem when my friend rang to make an appointment.

[China Doll]

There are a lot of unusual departments out there Greedy, I previously worked for an Andrology one, I imagine there's not many people who would want it know they're coming to that clinic. I now work in child protection and once again, the information is terribly sensitive and certainly not something parents would want random relatives/neighbours/friends etc having access to. Unfortunately we're all someones neighbour or friend, I guess a lot of it is about not being a nosey parker or checking to see if you ex/mum/dad/ whatever has ever popped in to your hospital for an appt.... I've known people who've done this and got some unplesant suprises. Deservedly so in my opinion.

[China Doll]

I imagine they would open, date stamp, file and action anything the GP may receive or ask them to do ethrandron but as rowan stated, it's rare that anyone would sit and read an entire file, we usually just go straight to the bits we need.

[Greedyfly]

I would stay away from such data regarding people I know on purpose. I wouldn't want to know what they wouldn't want to tell me. I know someone who works in the ambulance service and accessed my call when I broke my ankle (after it had happened and they had heard about it) - I think that is just damn right out of order!

[China Doll]

Damn right disciplinary inducing too greedy... It's really not the done thing.

[237SJ]

is there anyone out there that can just answer the question please? An admin person in the NHS perhaps? maybe I`ll go to the surgery and ask them

[Greedyfly]

I am pretty sure the way to be removed would be to contact the hospital?!

[ethandron]

sooo, they can be accessed but generally no-one bothers?