Wednesday 9 May 2018

The British HIV Association (BHIVA) welcomes the government’s restriction of the occasions when NHS Digital can share data with the Home Office, announced today (9 May.) With immediate effect data sharing will be permitted only to trace people who are being considered for deportation from Britain because they have committed a serious crime.

This means that NHS Digital can no longer share data with the Home Office on migrants being investigated for immigration offences.

Comments BHIVA Chair, Professor Chloe Orkin: "We welcome this change by the government which means that patients will no longer be deterred from accessing vital healthcare services. This is beneficial for both the individual and for public health. HIV patients are particularly vulnerable as without consistent treatment their health can decline rapidly, as well as posing a potential transmission risk to others."

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