A number of European medical organisations including the UEMS has released a statement to welcome the draft adequacy decision on the UK data protection regime issued by the European Commission on 19th February2021.
Protecting the benefits of the free flow of personal data must be a top priority. The absence of an adequacy decision would negatively impact the UK and EU health sectors and their patients. The UEMS and partner organisations urge the European Data Protection Board and the European Parliament to support the ruling and National Governments to approve the draft decision.
Formal adoption by the EU of the draft adequacy decision on the UK data protection regime will protect all European stakeholders’ capacity to exchange important health data for the management of cross–border health threats and the development and authorisation of new medicines. The COVID-19 pandemic – in particular – has clearly highlighted the critical value of international collaboration to advance scientific discovery when time is of the utmost importance.
Formal adoption by the EU of the draft adequacy decision on the UK data protection regime will safeguard access for EEA–qualified medical professionals to opportunities for clinical practice and research in the UK with minimal bureaucracy and will maximise patient safety.
In conclusion, the UEMS and its partners urge the European Data Protection Board and European Parliament to support the draft adequacy decision on the UK data protection regime and for National Governments to approve the decision. Approval of the UK data protection regime will safeguard the significant benefits of the free flow of personal data and protect both patients and our common health interests.