Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

General Practice Data for Planning and Research

Tuesday 13 July 2021 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Consultations regarding the General Practice Data for Planning and Research roll-out were paused to address stakeholders' concerns.
  • The Government has assured that patient data will only be used by organisations with a legal basis and legitimate needs, excluding commercial purposes.
  • The Department is committed to a public information campaign to build trust and address concerns about the use of patient data.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Daniel Zeichner Lab Cambridge
NHS
Context

The GP data roll-out has been paused due to concerns from various medical organisations and the public.

Question

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?

Answer from Jo Churchill

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific timelines or details on public reassurance measures

How: We Are Listening, Taking Our Time

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Q2 Philippa Whitford SNP
NHS
Context

Public concern and distrust over commercial use of anonymised data from GP practices.

Question

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?

Answer from Jo Churchill

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a direct answer on halting the process

How: We Are Listening, Building Trust

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Q3 Philippa Whitford SNP
NHS Brexit
Context

Concerns about commercial access to patient data from the NHS in England, potentially affecting Scotland's NHS through the UKIMA.

Question

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?

Answer from Jo Churchill

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not clarify UKIMA's impact or DIT's advertising specifics

How: We Do Not Allow Commercial Use, Building Trust

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Q4 Alex Norris Labour (Co-op) Nottingham North and Kimberley
NHS
Context

The Minister committed to delaying the implementation date for the data collection due to concerns, but only a short pause was announced.

Question

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?

Answer from Jo Churchill

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to halting the process or specific timeline for public information campaign

How: Nothing Is Being Snuck Out, Taking Appropriate Time

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