Some of you may have heard that the NHS is introducing an Electronic
Staff Record in the very near future - our Trust will be up and running
with it next year. There are the usual benefits to replacing a very
creaky and not-well run part-manual part-electronic system with an
all-singing all-dancing electronic record, certainly.
Our staff have concerns about the fact that there will be a central
"Data Warehouse" somewhere in the heart of England holding all the staff
information. Worries about security, access, etc. Some of them have
written to our Data Protection Officer with their concerns, and
threatening to opt-out of the system.
The Finance Director of my organisation has said that staff are not
allowed to opt out, and if they do, they can no longer be employees of
the Trust (Yup, he's happy to threaten). I have mentioned that there is
a DPA paragraph which states that an individual can ask a data
controller to cease processing if the individual feels that "(a) the
processing ..in that manner is causing or is likely to cause substantial
damage or substantial distress to him..."
The Finance Director (who is superior to me in this organisation) says
that staff do not have any right whatsoever to opt out. I have e-mailed
the Information Commissioner to check (waiting a reply) but meantime
wondered if anyone else can give me advice/guidance on this one,
particularly anyone else in my shoes?
Thanks everyone, a knotty one for me on a Friday afternoon!
Anne
Anne Gadsden AHRIM
Information Governance Officer
Information Services Department
North Cumbria Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
Cumberland Infirmary
Carlisle CA2 7HY
01228 814539 (direct line)
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
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