Manx medical data 'ring-fenced' from NHS Digital project

Position confirmed after central database concerns

Medical information from the lsle of Man will not be shared with NHS Digital.

Island patients are being reassured their data is 'safely ring-fenced' from the planning and research project.

It follows concerns about the collection of patient information for a central NHS digital database – something that applies to GP practices in England only.

The Health Minister says he can 'categorically confirm' that the Isle of Man is not taking part in the process.

David Ashford said: "There is no question of having to opt-out of the process – as we were never in it.   

"The UK Secretary of State of Health has exercised his power under Primary legislation for the collection of data.

"The Isle of Man is a separate jurisdiction and we don't have any equivalent legislation or any legal 'gateway' that would permit such data gathering."