The Equality and Social Justice Committee is undertaking a short, targeted inquiry on the subject of data justice, with a focus on the use of personal data in the Welsh NHS, how secure and safe this data is, and how it will be used and shared when electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) is rolled out.

Terms of reference

The draft terms of reference for the inquiry are:

>>>> 

>>>    Is the system fair – would some groups of people with certain conditions be flagged or the information passed onto other organisations including the private sector?

>>>    Do patients have control over who their information is shared with and what information is shared – would there be an opt out?

>>>    How will patients’ data be represented – will it be anonymised? What data would be shared on this system? Would people be treated differently as a result of e-prescribing –are there any potential implications for certain groups of people with certain health conditions?

>>>    What would be the purpose of the data collected? 

>>>    Whether the aim of e-prescribing is to establish patterns in medication, treatments and outcomes? If so, what additional information would need to be collected and how would consent be sought?

Evidence gathering

The Committee will hold an oral evidence session on 27 March 2023 with various stakeholders.