Safeguarding patient data
We have approval to hold patient identifiable data under section 251 of the NHS Act 2006. Approval is granted by the Confidentiality Advisory Group (CAG) within the Health Research Authority (HRA) (previously National Information Governance Board). The approval number for the CMP is PIAG 2-10(f)/2005.
Section 251 of the NHS Act 2006 makes provision for the use of patient identifiable information in the interests of improving patient care and in the public interest. Section 251 support is reviewed annually by the CAG.
Part of this approval includes the completion of the Information Governance Toolkit, which draws together the legal rules and central guidance for the way organisations handle information.
A condition of this approval is that patients/relatives are made aware that their information is used in this way. A poster and information leaflet is available to download and display in your unit (please see the related files to the right of this page).
National Data Opt-Out (NDOO)
The Case Mix Programme (CMP) has been granted exemption from the NDOO by the Secretary of State, following advice from the Confidentiality Advisory Group (CAG). Please see the NHS Digital website here for confirmation.
This means that CMP units can submit data for all patients, regardless of NDOO status.
Caldicott Guardian
A critical care clinician on our Board of Management (Trustees) acts as the Caldicott Guardian for all national clinical audits and research studies run by ICNARC.
A Caldicott Guardian is responsible for protecting the confidentiality of patient information, whilst enabling appropriate information sharing. All organisations with access to confidential patient records must have a Caldicott Guardian.