Government tried to launch patient data scheme without right safeguards, MPs are told

The government was wrong to try to launch its GP patient data collection scheme before putting in place “trusted research environments,” the leader of a government commissioned review has told MPs.

Last summer 1.5 million people opted out of the planned General Practice Data for Planning and Research (GPDPR) programme after serious concerns were raised about privacy risks. NHS Digital was forced to delay the scheme until tougher safeguards were put in place.123

The programme has been delayed several times and does not have a start date. NHS Digital has said that the programme will begin only when it and its partners “are confident that we have engaged, listened, learned and made changes as a result.”

Giving evidence to the Science and Technology Committee’s inquiry into digital data, Ben Goldacre, …