NHS Digital will now only share patient information with the Home Office in cases where an individual is being considered for deportation due to “serious criminality”. Previously NHS Digital had been sharing information where individuals had been sought by the Home Office for reasons such as missed meetings or if they were a child with safeguarding concerns.
This follows a concerted campaign by the House of Commons’ Health and Social Care Select Committee and the wider medical profession, including Tower Hamlets LMC Chair, Dr Jackie Applebee. We also shared the Health and Social Care Select Committee’s call for evidence with GPs last month, responses to which are being processed and will be published here.
Last updated : 18 May 2018