A worrying move over NHS data

From: John Bradfield, Knox Road, Harrogate.

WHILE working in our health and welfare services, I adhered to strict rules of confidentiality. Information in one set of records was never passed to the other, unless with the prior consent of those involved.

I have just discovered amongst the junk mail through my letterbox, a NHS leaflet advising that unless we object, the Health and Social Care Information Centre intends to share our medical and other personal information with a range of organisations, including commercial companies.

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The words “Social Care” in the title, must mean it is only a matter of time before social care and social work records go the same way.

The leaflet refers to the sharing of information “that identifies you”. Even if we are not identified openly, in some circumstances companies will be able to work out who we are and where we live. It does not say that some doctors have threatened to break the law by refusing to pass on confidential information, which would be used in ways never agreed. It does not say that the scheme will start on April Fools’ Day and once our names are on the national list, they cannot be removed. It is not clear whether April Fools’ Day is the last day by which we can block the sharing of our confidential information.

Anyone who opts out before the unknown cut-off date will have more time in which to consider the issues and, at any later date, alter or stick with their decision.

Governments have always gathered statistical information about the use of public services. There was never a need to opt out, because anonymity was guaranteed. Not so with the 
new scheme.

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In terms of civil liberties, the government is going down a new and dangerous road, by turning its back on what had been an immutable principle of decisions by informed consent. Additionally, the whole purpose of the Data Protection Act is being undermined.

Bizarrely, confidential information on many of us will soon be shared without our prior consent, but when we give our advisers and advocates consent to discuss confidential matters with a range of organisations, they are met with refusals to 
co-operate.

Something has gone radically wrong.

We must to get back to the robust protection of confidentiality, which did not hinder the efficient provision of across the board public service.

Because of this bizarre and unethical position, the fact that the above leaflet may be unlawful, (because it does not outline pros and cons), and staff on the 0300 number do not fully understand what is happening or the full implications, MPs may see a need to raise urgent questions.

Obsesity’s 
link to poverty

From: James Bond, Mulehouse Road, Sheffield.

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I REFER to your article about obesity (Yorkshire Post, February 5). As a Yorkshire-based personal fitness trainer, I have to say 
that I am not surprised at this article.

The reasons for obesity are as numerous as overweight people.

We live in a society that breeds obesity, just go into your local shopping centre and look at the number of takeaways and pubs.

Generally speaking obesity is a disease of poverty.

Freshly cooked nutritious food is expensive.

Unhealthy processed food is cheap to make but it is also very low in nutritional value.

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Exercise facilities that cater for the overweight are few and far between. Those that do exist are very expensive.

Scargill used the miners

From: Ivor Jones, Shireoaks, Worksop.

FOR the benefit of Michael Dugher MP (Yorkshire Post, February 5), the miners were led into the 1984-85 strike by a union leader hell-bent on destroying the democratically-elected government at that time. Arthur Scargill used the miners as pawns.

As for the numbers of mines that the then government wanted to close, I do know after spending 30 years of my life working underground that some of the mines wanted closing – they were what we miners called “right rat holes” and no amount of money would have put them right.

Roache put through hell

From: M Meeson, Leeds.

AFTER the news that Bill Roache has been found not guilty of all charges, and that he can now try and get his life back together after the trauma of his trial (Yorkshire Post, February 7), what of his accusers? Do they just walk away without any charges brought against them for putting him through hell? Best wishes Bill, and welcome back to Corrie. Tangible asset

From: Tim Mickleburgh, Boulevard Avenue, Grimsby.

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I WAS pleased to see the letters sticking up for church magazines (Yorkshire Post, February 4 and 6), and to see criticism of the Rev Taylor who is happy to see their demise. Not everyone is online – a recent poll of Methodists in Cumbria showed that over 40 per cent didn’t have internet access. What’s more, people like to have something tangible, not yet another email with a lengthy attachment which is less likely to be read. Incidentally Scartho, a suburb of Grimsby, has two church magazines, one for both the Parish and Methodist churches.