The NHS shared computer system

[Fluoro]

I was looking at a post OP made in the 2012 Conference thread about him wanting 2 be removed from 'The Spine' database, then realising it didn't apply 2 him due to his location.

If I've understood him right; is this the computer system that enables hospitals & other NHS establishments (even those outside of your local area) to access your medical records? If so I had forgot about this, but remember getting one of those mailers with information on all of the benefits of the system, but none of the downfalls & the option 2 opt out. Other site members should of got one too, so will know what I mean.

This was at the time when members of the public were finding laptops/disks on trains or in other public places with highly personal information like peoples DWP benefit payments & tax credits. There were other findings by people with other Government information on people. I remember opting out, as the only benefit I could see would be if u were unconscious & on regular meds. I was told I would get confirmation of my opt out, but after getting no response, I phoned them 2 be then told that I had 2 opt out through my GP which I forgot 2 do. Since then I've been 2 the local A&E & when I went 2 my GP a week later, they were able 2 go onto a website & get all the info of my visit & treatment. This wasn't a standard screen u see on GP computers it was deffo a website. I know they would contact them anyway. But was this probably that computer system? & if so could I still ask 2 be removed from it? Thanks.

H.N.Y

[OP8S]

You had to opt-out through your community GP. There was a link to a generic letter that people could use & that was how you were meant to go about opting out of the spine. As you know it has no relevance for me, but unless you put it in writing to the Community NHS GP & recieved confirmation I doubt whether you have been removed from " the spine". Simple emergency medical information has been carried around in S.O.S  bracelets, if you have one of them explaining about any illness's , medication taken & medication that you cannot tolerate, in my opinion you have everything you need kept personal. Everything that you need should you be involved in an accident at the scene. Unless you get hit by a train, it'll be no use then but neither will the spine while it is in use there could be all sorts of possible intrusion of all your medical records DWP for a start. Times are getting tight & medication costs, it wouldn't surprise me one bit when it's suggested by some twat of a politician that the cost of my meds are coming out of the pension scheme that I've been paying into for 20 + years. They're ruthless fuckers.

[sapphire]

If you google 'The big Opt Out', it should lead you to a form that you have to print off, sign and take to your GP.
Although it may be too late now.

[OP8S]

I seem to remember that there was a cut-off date. Once your files were on the spine then it may be hard to remove them & no doubt cost you a pretty penny.

[sapphire]

I had a quick look and the cut off date was a few mnonths ago.

[Anon33]

Does that mean atos and DWP can look into your files

[simon]

Phone your GP and ask to speak to the practice manager, wouldn't have thought it'd be a problem.

[froude]

I know the D.W.P can,they were supposed to look at my files had a phone call one day from one of the Doctor's at my practice asking if it was ok to provide them with my FULL medical files ,I asked why and the doctor said it was for my Disability Living Allowance or Income Support.The D.W.P then sent me a letter saying i dont have to go to any medical's from now on,fair play I thought,aint had no problem with  them since,All the best Froude.

[OP8S]

All the same I wouldn't fancy a company like atos having access to my medical records. Who knows where the info could end up in the long run. Glad they kept your claim in though froude.

[Jim]

I thought this had died a horrible and very expensive death.  Really I thought the plug had been pulled on it.  It was known as NPfit and it never really got going. 

[sapphire]

The 'spine' still exists, but I think it's too late now to Opt out from having your details removed from it.

[OP8S]

Yet another chapter from 1984. It really does bother me about how much information is held on the majority of us. Things like facebook turn my stomach, I could never have an account because the people from work would clash very much so with my friends that have accounts. I lead an almost double life, or perhaps schizoprenia has kicked in, not a laughing matter. Am  sorry will get me coat & his to 

[froude]

Facebook,A shits stirrer's paradise,same as OP, you got your whole life on it ,worse thing invented,look at all them who boasted about doing thing's in the riot's,they are all getting nicked now fucking idiots.Must admit the  misses plays Potfarm on it,i dont use it.Have a really good day to everyone out there on the Alliance ,All the best Froude from the carrot crunching part of this Great Heap of Dung we call Great Britain  

[sapphire]

Facebook, more like FARCE book, all (most) people use it for is to brag to people they hardly ever see that their lives are so ace, their kids are little geniuses and life just couldn't be better, when in reality they're in no better shape than the rest of us.

[Anon33]

I got the letter the other day from DWP saying they are going to phone coz benefit change over ....I cannot be arsed with it and I hope that it all goes smooth, I have a feeling it WILL be a big paynus in anus....have tried to research it but I can't really make sense of it.....it seems to me you are fooked or not fooked and it's one big initiative to cut your money and force you to work in a job that does not exist