Ministers have claimed that writing to patients about the highly controversial collection of patient data from GPs “may not be the most effective way to communicate on this topic”.
Instead, they appear to be putting the onus on already over-worked GP practices to tell patients about the mass collection of patient data which is being driven by central government.
Liberal Democrat peer Lord Strasburger asked what plans the government had to write individually to every affected patient fully explaining the proposed data acquisition and its benefits and risks.
Responding, minister for innovation Lord Bethell refused to confirm that the government would be contacting people directly.
He said privacy information could be communicated to patients through a range of different techniques and appeared to lay responsibility for doing so with GPs.
“We have written a letter to all GP practices in England who are best placed to inform patients about the data they routinely share,” he said.
“We are not ruling out writing to patients but there are concerns that this may not be the most effective way to communicate on this topic.
“Discussions are ongoing concerning writing to patients, but initially NHS Digital have been asked to work closely with the GP profession to ensure practices are supported in informing patients, while acknowledging the need to protect GP practices from additional burden,” he added.
Improving opt-out access
However, Lord Bethell admitted the government was looking at making it easier for patients to opt out of having their data collected – one of the key points raised by critics.
“Patients can register a National Data Opt Out via post, phone or email, or register a Type 1 Opt Out by contacting their GP and we are looking at ways to make this process easier for patients and GPs,” he said.
The Department for Health and Social Care has already been forced to delay the project’s implementation twice due to the significant outcry from patients and healthcare professionals.
In June it announced a two-month delay for the launch from 1 July to 1 September, but under further public pressure in July it was forced to further delay the project, tighten data security and improve communication with patients affected.
A new date for the collection to go live has yet to be published.
In the letter to GPs sent on 21 July, minister for prevention, public health and primary care also emphasised that GPs would be the main route for contacting patients about the project.
“Since the programme has been paused, we have been developing an engagement and communications campaign, with the goal of ensuring that the healthcare system and patients are aware and understand what is planned, and can make informed choices,” she wrote.
“The public rightly look to and trust general practice – through a centrally driven communication campaign, with clear messages, we will seek to ensure that the introduction of this collection does not impose an additional burden on practices.”