Government announces consultation on data transparency plans
BMJ 2011; 343 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.d5071 (Published 06 August 2011) Cite this as: BMJ 2011;343:d5071
The government is seeking views on its far reaching plans to publish reams of public sector data, including statistics on the performance of general practices and hospitals, GPs’ prescribing, complaints about hospitals, and satisfaction and engagement among NHS staff.
Its consultation document Making Open Data Real suggests making public large, non-personal datasets; allowing individuals to access and control their own medical records; and encouraging users to comment and provide feedback on health services.
“The UK government is determined to have the most ambitious open data agenda of any government in the world,” said the minister for the Cabinet Office, Francis Maude, at the launch of the consultation. “It is an incredibly brave step for any government to become this open, but this is the approach we want to take in order to create public accountability and efficiency in our services and to drive economic and social growth.”
The consultation will run until 27 November, after which the government will publish a white paper with firm proposals on public sector data transparency.
Respond to Making Open Data Real: A Public Consultation at www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/making-open-data-real-public-consultation.