Privacy and Data Security

Privacy and Data Security are key to maintaining public trust in how we hold, share and use their data. Digital services are designed and developed with privacy and security in mind to protect the data, systems and its users whether NHS staff or patients and ensure that data is used and shared in a safe, secure and legal way. Using safeguards in legislation which include, UK General Data Protection Regulations for data protection and consent, NHS Digital’s Data Security and Protection Toolkit, 10 data security standards that all organisations with access to NHS patient data and systems must adhere to, and technologies that are proven to meet the industry cyber security standards. Data can be used effectively to support better health and care outcomes, with robust data governance, strong safeguards and strict penalties in place for misuse.

Fiona Prestwood, Information Governance Manager, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust.