NHS England Faces Backlash Over Rollout of US Spy-Tech Company Palantir Patient Data Platform

 

Palantir CEO Hates The NHS, Yet He Has Been Given Access To All NHS Patient's Records

 

 

The is UK government;s love affair with US healgthcare companies, has taken on the worst case scenario, with NHS patient's private healthcare data now being handed over to one of the worst US companies accsed of fraud and of working for both the US and Israeli spy agencies.

Now NHS England’s plan to expand the use of patient-data software supplied by US technology company Palantir is prompting growing criticism from campaign groups and some health-care advocates.

 

But how can you agree and sign a contract with the private sector, that has not completed the negotiations on contract details? But that is exactly what the DHSC has done with Palantir. This sort of behaviour is also being employed by Integrated Care Boards across England as the push to use private companies by Wes Streeting is alignig the NHS up with that of the US Healthcare insurance based system.

 

Palantir, a data analytics firm that has worked with US government agencies, has long been a contentious partner for public-sector projects. Critics have accused the company of supporting US immigration enforcement operations, and some activist groups allege its technology has been used in relation to military activities in Israel and Gaza—claims the company has previously denied or disputed.

 

The firm’s co-founder, Peter Thiel, has also drawn attention for past comments about the NHS, including remarks in which he said the service “makes people sick” and suggested public support for it reflected “Stockholm syndrome.” His statements have resurfaced amid the current debate over Palantir’s expanding role in the UK health system.

 

Campaign organisations say they are concerned about the implications of giving a private US-based firm significant responsibility over NHS data. Some groups have launched online tools allowing the public to check whether their local NHS trust is using the software and to contact trust leaders urging them to reject Palantir’s platform.

 

 

The government has encouraged trusts to adopt the new system as part of wider digital-transformation efforts. Opponents argue that the decision requires greater transparency and public consultation, particularly given the scale of data involved.

Campaigners say they plan to continue lobbying NHS trusts and Health Secretary Wes Streeting as the rollout progresses.

 

Whilst the Government demands that NHS ICBs cut healthcare treatments and operations in order to save money, huge budget increases fror ' life sciences' in place of doctors have been agreed with the latest being apporx 1.8 Billion.

 

But we can fight back right now.

 

The Good Law Project, has set up a simple tool so you can find out if your local NHS trust has started using the software.

Once you have that information you can send an appropriate email to the NHS Trust concerned, and your local MP, demanding they say no to Palantir.

 

An example from this search tool is that of Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (MWL)which provides emergency and maternity services at Whiston, Southport and Ormskirk hospitals, as well as a range of medical and surgical specialties, including St Helens and Newton, is already using Palantir's software.

 

However, numerous Trusts have said that the software is no better than the systems they already have!

 

See also: NHS Privatisation News Archive