MPs grill experts on risks of sharing health data

MPs on the Commons science and technology committee have today quizzed experts on the pros and cons of sharing health data.

Professor Andrew Morris, director at Health Data UK, was more optimistic. He suggested that as long as the public perceived the “trustworthiness” of a health data ecosystem, benefits could be secured. He said that 20 years ago in Scotland, he witnessed “a real time information system that linked primary, secondary, tertiary care to drive improvements” care for people with diabetes, including an almost 50 per cent reduction in amputation procedures.

Phil Booth, co-ordinator at medConfidential, a campaign group on confidentiality and consent in health and social care, said that any health data system needed “proper governance and full transparency”, including when commercial entities sought involvement.