Question reference: S6W-00651
- Asked by: Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Date lodged: 14 June 2021
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Current status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 1 July 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has plans for NHS Scotland to combine medical records in a database shared with third parties, similar to proposals set out by NHS Digital for England.
Answer
The Scottish Government has no plans similar to those set out by NHS Digital for England.
The national data opt-out policy applies to NHS England, and not NHS Scotland data. In England, there is legislation by which personal identifiable data, which would otherwise be subject to the Duty of Confidentiality, can be used for research purposes by default.
The Scottish Government recognises the value of data used for trustworthy research in the public interest to improve the health and lives of our population. In Scotland, personal identifiable health data subject to the Duty of Confidentiality is not used for research by default. Any use of personal data for research purposes is subject to rigorous independent scrutiny on a case-by-case basis, and accompanying evidence that the data is used fairly, lawfully and securely. As such, when processing relies on permission from the individual, Scotland operates under an opt-in model.
However, if individuals currently living in Scotland have previously resided in England, and used NHS England services during that period, they will have the opportunity to opt-out by the September 1 st 2021 deadline.