13/06/2013

Consultations Can Legally 'Opt Out' Of NHS Ratings System

Consultant surgeon will be able to opt out of the NHS rating system, throwing the value of the system into doubt.

The Guardian have reported that NHS England has conceded that under the Data Protection Act, consultant will be legally allowed to not submit performance data.

The NHS commissioning board, a new independent quango in charge of the health service, had previously praised the rating system as a "revolution", saying it would increase patient confidence.

It is claimed that around 96% of consultants have chosen to provide performance data, a report on which is due to be published this summer.

Consultants have been urged to "think very carefully" before they chose to opt out of the new ratings system.

(MH/CD)

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