General Practice Data for Planning and Research 2021-07-13
2021-07-13
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The GP data roll-out has been paused due to concerns from various medical organisations and the public.
I am concerned about the progress on consultations regarding the General Practice Data for Planning and Research roll-out. The programme was paused, and discussions have taken place with stakeholders such as the Royal College of General Practitioners and the British Medical Association. Can you provide a detailed update?
We are committed to being transparent about the collection and use of data. We have paused the implementation and had productive discussions with stakeholders, listening to their concerns. We will continue to listen and take our time to build patients' and clinicians' trust in the programme, ensuring that data is only accessed through a secure environment under the oversight of the Information Commissioner's Office and the National Data Guardian.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific timelines or details on public reassurance measures
We Are Listening
Taking Our Time
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Public concern and distrust over commercial use of anonymised data from GP practices.
The Government's plan for pharmaceutical firms to have access to pseudo-anonymised data is causing public concern, similar to the failed care.data project. Patients support better communication within the NHS but are worried about commercial access to their data. Will you halt the process to allow time for genuine debate and public consultation?
The hon. Member and I are passionate about using data to enhance patient care. We have listened to concerns, but this is an important agenda that we need to get right for better care delivery. The data will only be used by organisations with a legal basis and legitimate needs. NHS Digital will publish details on their data release register. We aim to build confidence and trust through communication.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a direct answer on halting the process
We Are Listening
Building Trust
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about commercial access to patient data from the NHS in England, potentially affecting Scotland's NHS through the UKIMA.
Commercial access to patient data may undermine public trust in digitisation within the NHS. Can you guarantee that the Department for International Trade will not use the UK Internal Market Act 2020 to force commercial access to patient data from Scotland's NHS? Also, why is DIT advertising access to health data of 65 million people?
We do not allow data use for commercial purposes. NHS Digital will only approve requests for research or planning purposes, excluding marketing. The hon. Member would expect me to respond on behalf of another Department. We are communicating and building trust through a public information campaign and working across professions and research to ensure appropriate access.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not clarify UKIMA's impact or DIT's advertising specifics
We Do Not Allow Commercial Use
Building Trust
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Minister committed to delaying the implementation date for the data collection due to concerns, but only a short pause was announced.
Previously, we secured a commitment from the Minister to delay the implementation of this data collection to properly communicate with the public. However, instead of a significant delay based on BMA and RCGP recommendations, there is merely a short pause. The Minister says she wants to listen and build trust. Why is this happening during the summer recess? Will you stop this process and commit to a proper engagement campaign?
Nothing is being snuck out; we are not doing a data grab. We have heard concerns and will respond to them, taking appropriate time even if beyond 1 September to ensure proper engagement.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to halting the process or specific timeline for public information campaign
Nothing Is Being Snuck Out
Taking Appropriate Time
Response accuracy