Wellcome Trust comment on NHS England care data
NHS England has announced that it plans to delay the collection of data from GP surgeries until the autumn and that it will work with patients and professional groups to ensure information is accessible and reaches all sections of the community in order to build confidence in the initiative.
Nicola Perrin, Head of Policy at the Wellcome Trust, said: "Sharing information from medical records has huge potential to drive progress in medical research and healthcare delivery, but systems for achieving this need to be trusted and understood by everyone. The Wellcome Trust therefore welcomes NHS England's decision to postpone collection of data under its care.data scheme. This should allow for fuller communications that ensure people are aware of how their data will be collected and used, the safeguards that are in place, and how to exercise their right to opt out."
About the Wellcome Trust
The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation dedicated to achieving extraordinary improvements in human and animal health. It supports the brightest minds in biomedical research and the medical humanities. The Trust’s breadth of support includes public engagement, education and the application of research to improve health. It is independent of both political and commercial interests.