Changes to email data access ‘on hold’ after doctors raise concerns

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By Daniel Pye

Planned changes to NHS.net email services that would have left foundation and locum doctors unable to access emails from previous placements have been paused.

NHS England (NHSE) told doctors that it was planning to change the process for joiners and leavers on 17 August to fall in line with data governance standards.

The subsequent pause follows concerns raised by doctors that the plan would affect those on rotation, locums and those who have more than one NHS role.

The Doctors Association UK (DAUK) co-chairs Dr Matt Kneale and Ms Helen Fernandes wrote a letter to the body asking for the plan to be paused until safeguards are in place: “They rely on NHS.net for essential work communications. A change of post must not leave a doctor without access while their new organisation completes the transfer.

“Doctors also need clear and safe arrangements for professional material they may need later, such as rota handover and training records, work connected with an ongoing concern or whistleblowing.”