Private firms can already get their hands on your NHS records

Integrated Care Systems (ICSs), replacing national health services, pool data to help identify high-cost individuals who may benefit from preventative interventions. However, a study by the Keep Our NHS Data Working Group questions how data is being governed and privacy protected during this transformation. It highlights that while GDPR regulations offer some protection, legal obligations, broad terms in the Health and Social Care Act, or perceived public interest can override individual’s privacy objections. This could undermine public trust and have serious implications for patient confidence and data integrity.