Latest news with #DPC
Irish Times
2 hours ago
- Health
- Irish Times
Toolkit addresses ‘paralysis' in sharing information on vulnerable adults between healthcare organisations
The Data Protection Commission (DPC) has launched an adult safeguarding 'toolkit' to address misunderstandings about how to protect the data of at-risk adults in health and social care settings. The introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation ( GDPR ) has caused 'paralysis' where people are concerned that they shouldn't share data even if they can, DPC chairman and commissioner for data protection Des Hogan said. For example, residential care centres may not receive relevant health information about prospective residents, leading to 'a whole suite of issues that would unfold once the resident is already settled in there', said Bibiana Savin, chief executive of Sage Advocacy . Ms Savin further outlined misunderstandings relating to the gathering of a vulnerable adult's data from cameras and recording devices, and family members' rights to request data on behalf of their loved one. READ MORE Under GDPR, sensitive data can be shared where there is consent, in performance of a contract, to comply with a legal obligation and for vital, public or legitimate interests. In April 2024, the Law Reform Commission proposed a new law on adult safeguarding to address a gap in the regulatory framework. 'There's a lack of positive obligations and clear legal basis for data sharing,' said David Murphy, deputy commissioner of the DPC. Positive obligations are typically duties imposed on official bodies to take specific actions to protect individuals' fundamental rights. While clear positive obligations to share data in this context are being developed, the DPC's new toolkit aims to avoid blockages in how information flows between systems where there is a legal basis for sharing personal data. 'We would like to change the mindset, to factoring in 'What harms could arise to the individual if I don't share their data',' Mr Murphy said. The DPC defines vulnerable adults broadly, including individuals suffering from physical or mental conditions, children with additional needs reaching the age of majority, people subject to domestic violence or coercive control, experiencing homelessness, financial abuse or trafficking. [ Abusers using data protection law to get details on victims Opens in new window ] The toolkit follows the DPC's work on safeguarding children's data and expands the focus to a wide range of vulnerable groups in society. The commission has been engaging with various stakeholders in the social care and health systems for the past two years to develop the toolkit. Mr Hogan said at the launch on Thursday, 'we need to get away from this paternalism which has permeated our society for an awful long period of time ... into the position where we are defending and protecting rights'. 'As we move our way into a new digital world, it is just so important that we get this right,' he said.
RTÉ News
a day ago
- Health
- RTÉ News
New toolkit for protecting data of vulnerable adults
The Data Protection Commission (DPC) has launched a new 'Adult Safeguarding Toolkit' to provide organisations and individuals with guidance and resources to protect the personal data of vulnerable adults. The toolkit offers a guide on how to collect, use, store, and share data related to vulnerable adults, while adhering to the principles of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. It includes practical advice, templates, and examples to help organisations implement effective data protection measures. Commissioners for Data Protection Des Hogan and Dale Sunderland emphasised at the toolkit's launch the importance of society recognising the safeguarding needs of vulnerable adults. "We know how vulnerable adults can face unique challenges in protecting their personal data and with this new toolkit which we are delighted to launch today, organisations now have the necessary tools and knowledge to safeguard this information and ensure the rights of vulnerable individuals are respected at all times," they said. The DPC developed the toolkit through collaboration with groups in the safeguarding sector including the HSE, Sage Advocacy, and Safeguarding Ireland. "The toolkit will help organisations working with at-risk adults, particularly in health and social care settings. "It will help staff make confident decisions around data protection, including data sharing, based on an informed assessment of risk, and guided by their own professional expertise social care services and knowledge," DPC Deputy Commissioner David Murphy said. The launch was attended by representatives from healthcare providers, social care organisations, legal professionals, and advocacy groups.
Indian Express
23-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Chandigarh: PGI nurses's body calls off protest
The PGI Nurses' Welfare Association has announced the formal withdrawal of the ongoing protest following a positive and solution-oriented dialogue between the administration and the union. After extensive deliberation, some decisions have been mutually agreed upon. The officiating post of Deputy Nursing Superintendent (DNS) will be filled without further delay, and the MACP (Modified Assured Career Progression) for eligible nursing personnel will be processed and completed within three weeks. As per Manjeek Kaur, president of the association, a committee, including members of the nursing cadre, has been constituted to expedite the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) for Senior Nursing Officers (SNO). An additional policy-making committee has been formed to address and restructure the existing night duty system for better equity and welfare. 'I extend my sincere thanks to every member of our nursing cadre who stood by the association with strength, resolve, and discipline. As we have always maintained, we are open to dialogue. Being healthcare workers, we deeply understand that our work revolves around someone's life and loved ones. We do not choose to protest unless we are left with no other option. We hope the administration will now act with the sincerity this moment calls for,' said Kaur.
Glasgow Times
23-07-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Rules set to change for Klarna Clearpay and other BNPL firms
Under a consultation put forward by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) borrowers will also be able to complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service if something goes wrong. The rules, giving consumers more transparency over what this type of borrowing involves, would take effect when buy now, pay later (BNPL) comes under the FCA's remit next year. The new oversight by the FCA would mean that BNPL borrowers will have key protections that already exist for other types of lending. The FCA also oversees the Consumer Duty, which requires financial firms to put consumers at the heart of what they do, including when designing products and communicating with their customers. Sarah Pritchard, deputy chief executive at the FCA, said: 'We have long called for BNPL products to be brought into our remit, so people can benefit from BNPL while being protected. 'Our regulation will help consumers navigate their financial lives, with checks on whether they can afford to repay, support when things go wrong and access to the right information to make informed decisions. 'We're mainly relying on existing requirements, including the Consumer Duty, rather than proposing to make lots of new rules, supporting growth and allowing firms to innovate.' BNPL products are a way for people to spread the costs of purchases without paying interest. BNPL options regularly pop up at online checkouts. But concerns have been raised that some people could end up taking out loans that they cannot afford to pay back on time, incurring charges. According to the FCA's research, one in five (20%) UK adults – equating to 10.9 million – had used BNPL at least once in the 12 months to May 2024, up from 17% in 2022. In May 2024, 2% of UK adults (equating to 1.1 million) had £500 or more outstanding unregulated BNPL debt, and 11% of UK adults (5.3 million) had £50 or more outstanding, the regulator found. The FCA's consultation is open for feedback until September 26 2025. A temporary permissions regime will be open for firms to register two months before the regime comes into force on July 15 2026. Firms will then have six months from the date the regime comes into force to apply for full authorisation. BNPL is a broad term which can include some credit agreements that are already regulated, the FCA said. Its new proposals relate to unregulated BNPL agreements, referred to as deferred payment credit (DPC). The Government has made legislation to bring DPC products under FCA regulation. DPC refers to unregulated interest-free credit, which finances the purchase of goods or services and that is repayable in 12 or fewer instalments within 12 months or less. Lenders who only provide DPC do not currently need to be FCA authorised, leading to concerns that some borrowers may not be receiving enough information about what credit agreements involve. Alison Walters, interim director of consumer finance at the FCA, said: 'Our proposals are aimed at ensuring that consumers get good consumer outcomes and that there is an appropriate degree of consumer protection. 'And by that, we mean that consumers get the right information, in the right way, at the right time, so that they can make an informed decision about their buy now, pay later lending.' She continued: 'What we're asking in our rules is for firms to carry out an affordability check, to ensure that consumers are able to pay. And if they get into financial difficulty to provide them with an appropriate level of support. 'We also want them to give more information in relation to late fees, consequences if they miss a payment, and impacts, for example, if it may affect credit ratings. 'And also information about their withdrawal and cancellation rights.' She added: 'If something goes wrong, consumers will be able to refer their complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service.' Ms Walters said that in terms of supporting those in financial difficulty: 'Under our existing rules, firms can offer forbearance to consumers if they get into financial difficulty.' She said that could include changes in the payment plan and people can also be signposted to debt advice or other support mechanisms. Ms Walters added that under the new rules 'we still think that this market will be viable and profitable'. She pointed out that the BNPL market has already grown in size and popularity. According to the regulator, DPC lending has grown from £0.06 billion in 2017 to more than £13 billion in 2024. Maxine McCreadie personal finance expert at UK Debt Expert advises caution: 'Buy Now, Pay Later can be a useful way to manage your money, especially for larger purchases where you've planned and budgeted. But regularly using it to buy smaller, everyday items could lead to financial problems. It feels like it's become too easy to delay payment without really thinking through the long-term consequences. 'One of the big issues is how BNPL is marketed. It's often positioned as something separate from traditional credit, which can make it feel less serious - but the reality is, it's still a form of debt. Miss a payment and you could find yourself facing late fees and doing damage to your credit score. 'New rules coming into force next July will mean that shoppers will have to pass stricter affordability checks before being approved for BNPL products, and I think that's a positive move. It brings BNPL more in line with other credit products, and should help people stop and think before clicking 'pay later' at checkout. 'Ultimately, it's about reminding people that these services do have a financial impact and encouraging them to make informed, considered choices rather than falling into a cycle of spending that could be hard to break.' A Klarna spokesperson said: 'After five years of constructive work with HMT (HM Treasury), we're entering the home straight to make BNPL regulation a reality – a major win for UK consumers. 'We're looking forward to working with the FCA on rules that protect consumers while keeping choice and innovation at the heart of the UK credit market.' A spokesperson at BNPL provider Clearpay said: 'We will support the FCA as it consults on and finalises its specific rules for the sector.' The spokesperson said regulation 'will establish a consistent operating environment and clear compliance standards for all providers,' adding: 'Clearpay research highlighted that nearly half of UK adults (48%) are more likely to use BNPL once regulation is passed, and with 71% believing that it is important for BNPL to be subject to UK financial legislation, today's announcement will help foster trust among consumers. 'It will also create a more sustainable foundation for the future of BNPL as it continues to grow as an everyday payment option for consumers.' Vikki Brownridge, chief executive of StepChange Debt Charity, said: 'It's incredibly reassuring to see the FCA's consultation on its proposed approach to regulating buy now, pay later.' She added: 'Whilst BNPL can be a useful budgeting tool, it can deepen debt problems, and it is important struggling consumers are afforded the same level of protection as for other forms of credit. 'Bringing BNPL firms in line with the wider credit market, when regulation begins next year, will provide an added layer of protections for consumers, a much-needed change as StepChange polling found that BNPL users are twice as likely as all credit users to borrow to cover essential bills, and our research also found that BNPL is now as common as using an overdraft amongst UK adults.' Vix Leyton, a consumer expert at app ThinkMoney, said BNPL 'can be a really useful tool, particularly when life throws you an unforeseen cost that drives a wrecking ball through your budget. 'But while spreading the cost can take the pressure off, it's temporary relief if it's not done responsibly and mindfully.' Recommended reading: She added: 'Proper affordability checks, in line with other credit products, are vital to stop people unintentionally kicking the financial can down the road, as is making sure that those in financially vulnerable positions understand the consequences of missed payments.' Rocio Concha, Which? director of policy and advocacy, said: 'Buy now, pay later can be a really convenient way to spread the cost of items, but because it is not yet regulated, it hasn't come without risk to consumers. 'Regulation will mean that consumers will be subject to affordability checks to ensure responsible lending as well as making sure they are given sufficient information about the credit they are taking on and the risk of falling into debt.'
Irish Times
21-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
Dublin children's hospital ‘misplaces' child's record in ‘serious data-protection breach'
A Dublin children's hospital has had a 'serious data-protection breach' after a patient's healthcare record was 'misplaced', a memo sent to staff said. It comes in the same week as an unannounced inspection by the Data Protection Commission (DPC) following concerns about the accessibility of patient charts in a shared office at Children's Health Ireland (CHI) Tallaght . On Friday, Sarah Hartnett, data-protection officer at CHI , sent a memo to all staff members entitled 'misplaced healthcare records'. 'A healthcare record has recently been reported misplaced at CHI. Despite a thorough search process, the original record has not been recovered,' the memo said. READ MORE 'In accordance with our statutory obligations, this incident has been reported to the Data Protection Commission'. According to Ms Hartnett, this is a 'serious data-protection breach and a reminder of the critical importance of following all healthcare record procedures'. 'Staff must strictly comply with the HSE standards for healthcare records management and CHI data-protection policies'. Separately, the DPC carried out an unannounced inspection at CHI Tallaght last week on foot of a complaint. The inspection took place in a shared office for non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs) on the first floor of the hospital. It is understood the door to the shared office, containing hundreds of patient charts, was propped open – making it accessible to people walking by. When closed properly, the door is locked with a keypad. Dr Turlough Bolger, a consultant in emergency medicine, sent an email to staff at the hospital on Thursday morning, the day after the inspection. 'The report will be received in the coming weeks but they expressed concern regarding the number of charts in the room yesterday (approx 320 charts) and the amount of loose pages with patient details,' his email states. 'I expect that the recommendations will be wide-ranging and damaging to CHI at Tallaght.' Dr Bolger said he appreciates the 'hard work' made by staff to reduce the number of outstanding discharge charts in recent weeks, which has seen a 'significant reduction' from 900 to 600 charts. 'I have said repeatedly that there needs to be a sustainable approach to this issue. Ultimately, as the accountable officer in CHI at Tallaght, I am responsible for the overall situation regarding medical records.' Dr Bolger said as the accountable officer, he 'cannot rely on blitzes to clear backlogs as routine'. In order to clear the current backlog, Dr Bolger said he had requested that four NCHDs be allocated to discharges daily. He added that there was a need for 'an emphasis on the use of the confidential shredding bin for most of the loose pages'. A spokesman for the DPC confirmed a team carried out an inspection at CHI Tallaght last week. 'Enquiries relating to this inspection are ongoing at present,' the spokesman said. 'We are not in a position to provide any further comment at this time.' In relation to the unannounced inspection, a spokeswoman for CHI said a data breach 'has not been confirmed at this time' and the inspection related to a 'potential data breach'. 'Immediate measures have been taken to reduce any potential risk, including reinforcing physical safeguards and engaging directly with staff,' the spokeswoman said. 'Additional actions will follow, as appropriate, in line with our internal procedures and any recommendations issued by the DPC as part of its broader oversight.' The spokeswoman added that CHI is transitioning to a 'fully digital health records system and, once complete, this will significantly reduce reliance on paper charts'. CHI has faced significant public and political scrutiny in recent months, particularly in relation to the governance and oversight of its paediatric orthopaedic services.
