Write to all NHS patients to get consent for the national data opt-out

A poorly publicised campaign was inadequate grounds for an opt-out process for sharing confidential patient data with third parties (NHS digital). Ethically the government has a duty to get valid consent from all patients before their data is shared with any third parties for 'research and planning' purposes. Patients not opting-out may be unaware that their unwittingly shared data could (despite careful use) identify them and/or be used, even if it is not sold, to make profit for companies.