Sharing Medical Information

[granny grump]

How do others feel about their medical information being shared and have they chose to opt out? I an undecided but leaning to not sharing it as I do not trust it not to be used for other purposes despite what they say and unsure how safe it will be.

What difference will it make if I do opt out? Am I being paranoid?

[jno]

I know what you mean, but suppose you have an energency and go to A&E or even need an operation - wouldn't you like them to be able to access your GP's notes on your health, history or medications instantly?

[boxtops]

I wouldn't opt out. It's supposed to be secure within the NHS. If I was rushed into hospital in a strange town, I like to think that the hospital there could just click a few buttons and pull up my medical information, and see my history etc. - otherwise they're just working in the dark. It's only supposed to be shared within the health and social care system, not elsewhere.

[rockyracoon]

I don't mind the sharing amongst health professionals, I do object to any details being sold to insurance companies as was suggested will happen a couple of weeks ago.

[Mamyalynne]

I think it is a very personal choice depending on your individual situation, I am not opting out as in my case I can only see advantages.

For others with different issues it may sit quite differently.

[Buenchico]

As many people here will know, I find the concept of 'privacy' to be a ridiculous one anyway. In my Utopia everyone's medical records would be freely available on the internet for all to read, so I have no objection whatsoever to medics sharing my information, posting it up on noticeboards throughout the area, or paying to have it advertised on the sides of buses.

The only remotely embarrassing condition I've ever had was orchitis (where my normally smaller testicle swelled to over three size of its neighbour). I've posted it here now on the internet and I couldn't care less about who knows it!

[Peter Pedant]

opt out

this means that only unauthorised person who can read your records is the doctors GP's receptionist.

[furrypusscat]

Are you talking about a blue leaflet from NHS. The one that says it is completely secure and protected. This leaflet asks for NHS Number and postcode. This is not secret identity as the powers that be will know exactly who you are from that information. Or are you talking about a general one that your surgery is asking to share information. This could be useful should you require treatment elsewhere and your information such as medication, allergies etc can be shared.

[Mamyalynne]

I think the NHS leaflet requires those only if you are opting out (how else would they know who was opting out?), happy to share then do nothing it says, I am pretty certain of that.

[boxtops]

Peter, if you opt out, anyone in your GP surgery will be able to read it, it's on your surgery medical records - not only the receptionist. Reception staff are bound by the same codes of information governance as the clinical staff.

[boxtops]

Mamya's correct, you're in unless you choose to opt out.

[Prudie]

I'm also undecided. My medical history would make no difference if I was rushed into A&E but I can see it would be an advantage to others with more interesting records. You'll have to accept there will be leaks, hackers or crashes though, it happens to every system at some point,

[granny grump]

I's a leaflet that came with the post - not specifically addressed from the NHS.

It says that if you are happy for your information to be shared then do nothing if not speak to your GP practice They don't give any time scale though

[granny grump]

Sorry meant to say thank you all for your input

[Mamyalynne]

Some info here for the undecided if they wish to read it.

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/thenhs/records/healthrecords/Pages/care-data.aspx


I am rather like Buenchico, I have no care who knows I had PMT in 1979 or later Clinical Depression and Anxiety issues or the dreadful state of my eyes due to late diagnosed open angle Glaucoma.

[furrypusscat]

I don't mind my clinical information being used between other surgeries/hospitals but I do not want my information selling on as a way of making money. That is how all the unwanted mail comes through your letter box. Government departments do sell your information and that is wrong hence I have opted out of the Edited Register on the electoral registration roll.

[emmie]

my concerns are that one will be bombarded by private medical care companies, if ones details are a free for all.

[marval]

My OH wants to opt out, I personally don't mind. It is quite useful when I go to the hospital and they know my medical history. Also my specialist at the hospital contacts my doctor to request checks.

[emmie]

the talk was of the medical details, list being sold onto private medical companies, if that is the case how happy would you be.

[Baldric]

The leaflet carries NHS Logos and is linked to this site

http://www.hscic.gov.uk/patientconf

[boxtops]

where did you hear that discussion, emmie? It's certainly not how it's being presented to us, the data is for sharing inside the NHS providers.