Care.data: the debate

Healthwatch Essex held a public debate on 24 June 2014 to highlight and discuss issues of concern about the Care.data scheme.

A key theme raised at the outset was the question of public awareness of care.data and, specifically, the information leaflet and the video which were used by NHS England to inform the public. There were concerns raised by panellists and members of the public that many people may still not have even heard of care.data.

Members of the public and the panel expressed a variety of concerns in relation to the potential commercial uses of data.

Ethical concerns were raised by both the panel and the public, relating to how care.data impacts upon both individuals and society as a whole. There were, for example, worries around confidentiality and changes to the GP patient relationship.

Concerns were expressed around the security of the data collected and how the NHS would ensure this.

The question of public benefit was considered fundamental by all panellists, but questions were raised by the public and the patient panel member around how care.data would actually help improve the care of individuals.