NHS digital database
You may have seen in the news the NHS digital database, in which anonymised data will be extracted from GP medical records. This information would then be used for planning healthcare and for research purposes.
On the following link, NHS digital have published information on why the NHS believes the new system is necessary:
https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/data-collections-and-data-sets/data-collections/general-practice-data-for-planning-and-research/advice-for-the-public
The new system is somewhat controversial because primary care medical records contain a huge amount of confidential information. The information is anonymised but there are always concerns about how data is stored and if the new system is safe. Therefore, it has been delayed until September 2021 at the earliest. There is a BBC article about this here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-57400902
The NHS is good at keeping records confidential and having such an enormous database is incredibly helpful in healthcare, both to plan services and also determine which treatments work best. The UK is a world leader in healthcare research, partly because of the organisation of the NHS. Confidentiality is crucial but we all hear of data breaches and patients are able to opt out of the process. There is more information about how to opt out here:
https://www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters/; https://www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters/manage-your-choice/
Other information:
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Extended access to primary care
The Extended Access Service is an extension of your usual primary care practice. It is not a walk-in service – you need to make an appointment.
The Extended Access Service is located at Grove Park Court in Harrogate, Ripon Community Hospital in Ripon, and Beech House Surgery in Knaresborough. You can get appointments here up to 8pm weekdays, as well as appointments on Saturdays and Sundays. Information about the service is available here or contact reception. To download an information leaflet about the service Click here.
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