18Sep 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani
Introduce a Health Data Trust to protect private medical data

Introduce a Health Data Trust to protect private medical data

Parliamentary news
Today, at their Conference, the Liberal Democrats have backed ambitious plans to safeguard private health data. The party is calling for the establishment of a five-point ‘Health Data Charter’, which will set out key tests for whether data sharing is in the interest of the public and the NHS. They also propose a ‘Sovereign Health Data Trust’, which would bring together experts, clinicians and patient representatives to oversee the implementation and observance of the new charter. Commenting on the proposals, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Munira Wilson MP said: “In an increasingly digital world, it’s important that we understand how companies and organisations are able to access and manage our personal data - particularly health information. “Sadly, this current Government is refusing to be honest with people about how they’re handling…
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28Jul 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani
GP Patient Data: Halt the scheme and inform the public

GP Patient Data: Halt the scheme and inform the public

Parliamentary news
A report from Which? [published 29th July 2021] has shown almost half (45%) of adults in England, around 20 million people, are unaware of plans for GP patient data to be shared by NHS Digital to external organisations. The Lib Dems have called for the scheme to be halted until proper transparency on the data sharing has been shown from the Government. Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson, Munira Wilson MP said: “Given the Government’s complete lack of interest in publicising this scheme and its disdain for any kind of transparency it is no wonder that so many have never heard of it. That so many are considering opting out will render this scheme almost useless. “Grim experience has taught the British public to be wary of trusting the Government with its…
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18Jun 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Government must regulate big tech companies’ use of COVID-19 app data

Parliamentary news
Responding to reports that the Government is now shifting to a COVID-19 tracing app based on technology provided by Apple and Google, Liberal Democrat Digital, Culture Media and Sport spokesperson Daisy Cooper said: “Every minute counts in the fight to contain COVID-19, but the Government has spent months working on this now failed app - which many of us warned from the start would not keep people safe. "Ministers must accept that legal assurances are needed to rapidly re-build public trust and keep people safe. They must start by ensuring that restrictions are put in place to regulate how the big tech companies they are now working with can access, use and store people’s medical information and other personal data.  "Any app is, of course, only part of the broader test, trace and isolate system, yet…
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