There’s more to come
medConfidential has seen press reports there is a signed but unpublished Direction implementing UK Biobank’s plan to break pandemic-only promises of data uses, which will place GPs in an impossible position with their patients (which is not Biobank’s problem). It was due to be published yesterday (Thursday 16th October), but wasn’t after news leaked.
While NHS England staff considers a Direction to take effect when they publish it, this one will almost certainly require additional implementation actions before it has any effect beyond the destruction of trust and confidence that comes from the signature demonstrating that Mr Streeting believes it is acceptable for him to Direct the NHS to lie to patients.
The Direction can be held by the NHS England Board and sent back to DHSC for additional work (never to return in the same form). It is unclear what would have happened if DHSC had already taken over NHS England.
This page will be updated in future days