§ Harry CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the authorised uses of the NHS number are; whether the use of the NHS number for non-NHS purposes is permitted; if he will bring forward legislation to limit the use of the number for non-NHS purposes; and if he will make a statement. [104518]
§ Mr. LammyThe national health service number is an administrative identifier created by the NHS and used to maintain the privacy of patient information and to provide an unambiguous means of linking health care records.
All those delivering health and social care services either within, or in conjunction with, the NHS, are authorised to use the NHS number. Health and social care services includes preventative medicine, clinical diagnosis, clinical research, and the provision of care and treatment.
The use of the NHS number for other purposes is not permitted.
The NHS number is personal data for the purposes of the Data Protection Act 1998 and therefore must be used and processed in accordance with data protection principles. Officials are obtaining legal advice on whether specific regulations for the use of the NHS number need to be introduced under UK and European data protection legislation.
The NHS number sits at the heart of the modern health care agenda as a vital tool for sharing information within the NHS and with its partners in delivering health and social care services. It is central to the vision of seamless patient care and the life-long electronic health record. Access to the NHS number 400W tracing service is restricted to NHS health and social care staff, and is subject to strict confidentiality and security safeguards.