A frank and free approach to sharing information

I am not afraid to share my thoughts and , when it comes to a collision with the pavement on Nov 14, what happens in my brain! Five weeks in hospital and three more in rehabilitation culminated in my joining a congregation in Wesley’s Chapel, City Rd to hear Dr Jennifer H Smith deliver a sermon on being fearless. Although she was talking to those who had least help, I – who had had most help to recover, think that we should all share her message – the Isiah message – that we should not flinch in the face of intimidation, most of all if immigrant and in this country/congregation. Here is the sermon

If you like what Jenny says and the way she says it, you can catch her at 8.15 this morning (14/01/25) when she speaks on Radio 4’s Thought for the Day at 8.15. You can listen to her contribution last Tuesday

She is going to get this blog as a thankyou for her sermon, her look forward to putting her thoughts to radio and to the smile she gave when I arrived (late and fearsome) – the hug when I left (bold and happy)

I am not afraid when I stand in the shadow of this woman and I have no fear that I will not be properly looked after by the NHS. I was told when in hospital that the data I shared on everything from bowel to brain movements would be shared with experts so that they could be better at finding and curing the kind of problems I had (and have). And yet there are some who consider that the NHS cannot be trusted to do the right thing and put fear into the minds of those who are in a position to contribute.

It seems perfectly reasonable for the NHS to share information, I have no fear of that- I trust the NHS and wish them well – if this makes them money – then good! This view is not shared by all.

The prime minister’s announcement has triggered worries among some experts about the potential for the data to be misused.

Kate Brimsted, a partner at the law firm Shoosmiths, said: “The potential benefits of using NHS data to train AI models are indeed significant, with promising prospects for research advancements, improved patient outcomes, and cost savings.

“However, we must not overlook the substantial data privacy, confidentiality and security challenges that accompany this initiative.”

I am sure there are many organisations (and not just lawyers) who want to push back the sharing of information so that the boom in artificial intelligence that drove the work done to save my life and get me back on my feet falters.

So here are my details – presented to other hospitals, my GP and to me. They are being shared because I am not afraid (thanks Jenny and God)

Here is me – toothless thanks to Dr Morgan of Ventry House

We need to be open, frank and fearless. I learned a lot from Steve Bee which is why I wear his shirt.