NHS Data opt out

[Sunnypad]

I'm a bit confused about how this works

Am I automatically registered with NHS digital?

Is this the way to opt out?

https://digital.nhs.uk/services/national-data-opt-out

Thanks.

[mc2fool]

Am I automatically registered with NHS digital?

Is this the way to opt out?

https://digital.nhs.uk/services/national-data-opt-out

a) It's not a matter of being registered with NHS digital, AIUI everyone is in a national database that contains enough basic information to link your NHS number to your GP practice, and the practice's database has your records which can be accessed by authorised parties (like NHS digital). So, the answer is, in a sense, yes.

b) It appears to be so. I've just followed the links and provided the ID information requested (name, dob, NHS number) and, after sending me a security code to enter (choice of by email or SMS to the address/number by practice has for me) I get to a page that asks "I allow my confidential patient information to be used for research and planning" with a Yes/No choice.

While I usually opt out of any kind of info-about-me sharing whenever I can, in this case I've chosen to allow it, as it seems in a good cause (rather than the usual just figuring out how to better sell to me!)

[Sunnypad]

Thank you
So I need to do this for mum somehow as she doesn't have internet access or an email address?

[mc2fool]

Thank you
So I need to do this for mum somehow as she doesn't have internet access or an email address?

I suppose so, assuming she wants to and you are by or in possession of her mobile phone (to receive the SMS security code), the number of which has already been registered with her GP practice.

But there are other way she or you can do it, including by phone and post. See the bottom of https://www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters/manage-your-choice/

[Sunnypad]

Sorry, how did I miss that!
Thank you.

[Cornytiv34]

Not sure if this is the same data optout but The Register computing newsletter shows this

https://www.theregister.com/2021/05/13/nhs_data_grab/
Make sure to continue down as there are some format gaps between paragraphs.

While the information appears to be made anonymous the fears expressed make me wonder. Digging much deeper in the links shows items such as health, criminal records abuse of children and sexual deviation (over 3000 categories in all). Further it is suggested that US firms bidding for contracts could have access.
I have no problem with properly anonymised information being used for health research which can only be beneficial to us all but do not understand the complications other reports suggest. Is anyone better informed and can explain?
Mike

[Sunnypad]

Thank you for the updated info.
If I find out anything further, I will post.

Hopefully at least some people have been alerted by this thread.

Quite tempted to put a note up by the post area in my flats.

[XFool]

Hopefully at least some people have been alerted by this thread.

And there is yet another thread on this topic (or thereabouts!) on TLF: viewtopic.php?f=29&t=29652

Which, IMO, is unfortunately getting bogged down in generalities and side issues.

[Sunnypad]

Hopefully at least some people have been alerted by this thread.

And there is yet another thread on this topic (or thereabouts!) on TLF: viewtopic.php?f=29&t=29652

Which, IMO, is unfortunately getting bogged down in generalities and side issues.

Well, in fairness, that's a place for generally talking through things. I've never posted there so not sure.

[XFool]

...Possibly best to continue discussion over there, as this is simply the Does anyone know? thread.

viewtopic.php?p=416225#p416225