Statement from the NDG, ICO and CMO on sharing information for direct care
Health and care staff must share information effectively to support individuals’ care
This is a joint call to action to all health and care staff from the National Data Guardian (Dr Nicola Byrne), the Information Commissioner (John Edwards) and the Chief Medical Officer for England (Professor Chris Whitty).
We know that some health and care workers are concerned about sharing patient/client information across organisations or disciplines for people’s care.
We don’t want anybody’s care to be adversely affected because health and care staff did not have the right information to make the right decisions. We are calling on staff to prioritise the availability of relevant information at the point of care, so that individuals can receive safe and appropriate treatment.
Whilst it is right to be diligent about confidential data, this should never come at the expense of people’s care, and we strongly urge you to use and share information with confidence.
You can find guidance on the NHS England Information Governance portal, alongside a brief online training module that can help you gain confidence in sharing this information.
If you are concerned or unsure about information sharing, your organisation’s Caldicott Guardian, Data Protection Officer or senior staff can support you.