The King’s Fund responds to NHS England guidance on preventing staff ‘snooping’ on patient data

Responding to the publication of new guidance from NHS England on preventing and monitoring unauthorised access to patient data, Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive at The King’s Fund, said:  

‘Patients must be able to trust that their most sensitive personal information will be kept private and so it’s right that the NHS is taking firm action against ‘snooping’ staff who inappropriately access medical records.

‘Sensitive health information should only be accessed by clinicians when there is a legitimate reason for it.

‘As ministers move forward with plans for a single patient record as part of the Health Bill, this and other efforts to digitise services present a major opportunity to deliver more joined-up care and information. Done well, these reforms could help people take greater control of their health and navigate services more easily. To fully realise these benefits, however, public trust must be maintained through robust privacy safeguards and the responsible handling of patient data.’