Use of your data for Risk Stratification, The COVID-19 Highest Risk Policy(*)

(*) Former Shielding Policy

Lead organisations

  • Scottish Government
  • NHS National Services Scotland (NHS NSS)
  • Public Health Scotland (PHS)
  • NHS Education for Scotland (NHS NES)
  • Territorial Health Boards
  • Local Authorities
  • General Practices (GPs)

What is being done and why?

  • The highest risk group used to referred to as “the shielding list”.
  • Citizens who are in defined groups are considered at the highest risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
  • Everyone in Scotland have been asked to take precautionary measures and to follow some rules and guidance. Those that are at highest risk are being asked to follow the same advice as the rest of the population, unless advised by your GP or clinician.
  • For information of Covid-19 vaccinations for those at highest risk, please see here.
  • In relation to this group, specific communications, such as letters, have been and will continue being sent as needed for their best interest. 
  • Specific support has been provided through local authorities and through food parcels (coordinated by NHS NES).
  • GP and community care systems have been updated in order that GPs and those who provide support in the community are aware of those affected by this policy.
  • Cross-border information sharing with NHS Digital has been assessed in order that Scottish residents who are registered with a GP in England are provided with the full range of support available in Scotland
  • Further work in relation to analysis of the policy and research on its effectiveness will be undertaken in the future. Such evaluation will not require access to identifiable data.

What data is used and who is the data controller?

  • Your personal data such as your name, address, postcode, telephone number, CHI number etc.
  • In some cases, special categories of your personal data including your health information.
  • NHS NSS and PHS  are the primary controllers for this information.
  • This information has been shared with:
    • NHS NES,
    • Territorial Health Boards,
    • Local Authorities,
    • GPs
    • NHS Digital (in relation to people domiciled in Scotland  but registered with a GP in England and vice versa).

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