Prior to 2015, research applicants requesting access to NHS Scotland data needed to engage with a number of information governance and ethics authorities.
From May 2015, a single application scrutiny process has been provided by NHS Scotland’s Public Benefit and Privacy Panel for Health and Social Care (HSC-PBPP).
This means a research applicant has to complete one application and access one point of contact (Public Health Scotland’s electronic Data Research and Innovation Service (eDRIS) to develop their application and bring together the necessary authorisations, permissions and certifications to obtain access to NHS Scotland’s national data.
The HSC-PBPP must balance public benefit with potential risks to privacy, and ensure that the public interest will be furthered by a proposal as detailed in the application. It must also demonstrate that the processing of requested data is reasonably likely to produce a tangible benefit for society.
The HSC-PBPP benefits from the knowledge and expertise of a range of representatives from across Scotland and includes:-
- Public representatives.
- NHSS Board Senior Representatives.
- NHSS Board, NHS National Services Scotland (NHS NSS), Public health Scotland (PHS), Caldicott Guardians.
- NHS Scotland Information Governance (IG) practitioners.
- Research community and research council representative.
- IG/Informatics Data Linkage Specialist.
- Community Health Index Management Board (CHIMB) representatives
- National Records of Scotland (NRS) representatives.
- Scottish Government IG lead.
and is supported by a small team to manage the panel function.
Full details of how we use your information, and how we maintain your right to privacy, can be found on the Public Health Scotland Privacy and Cookies page