European Data Protection Board paves way for continued sharing of health data between EU and UK

Commenting on the European Data Protection Board’s Opinion on the draft UK data adequacy decisions, Dr Layla McCay, director of policy at the NHS Confederation, said: “Health leaders will welcome this opinion. It gives the green light to UK data protection standards, paving the way for uninterrupted sharing of relevant health data between the EU and UK.

“Recognition of the adequacy of UK data protection standards is instrumental in addressing health threats such as COVID-19 and the delivery of cross-border health and social care. Crucially, data adequacy also provides the conditions for UK and EU researchers to co-operate on clinical trials and other health research, and in turn, save and improve lives.

“We hope the draft data adequacy decision will be approved, and that the NHS and European health care systems can continue to benefit from having access to each other’s health data where needed, as it will support the development of new treatments and improve patient safety and care.

"We urge the European Parliament to support the preliminary decision and national governments to approve the decision before 30 June. Protecting the free flow of data must be a top priority to safeguard healthcare, research, and above all, patients.”