NHS England seeks views on primary care cyber security

The primary care contract team at NHS England is seeking the view of healthcare professionals about cyber security.

The survey, which is designed to measure cyber security readiness within primary care, is open to eye care practitioners within optometry, as well as those practising within general practice, community pharmacy, and dentistry.

A spokesperson for the primary care contract team explained that digital security was being explored to enable NHS England and the Department for Health & Social Care (DHSC) to better understand cyber security within primary care, the capabilities, and how it can support the sector.

Through the survey, the joint cyber unit will focus on cyber security readiness and preparedness; understanding the areas of greatest cyber security risk; understanding behaviours and attitudes related to cyber security, and sharing good practice in cyber security.

Speaking about the survey, AOP clinical and policy director, Dr Peter Hampson, told OT: “NHS England and the DHSC are right to prioritise the importance of cyber security readiness across the NHS, including primary care.”

He highlighted: “This survey for the whole sector – general practice, community pharmacy, optometry and dentistry – will be a valuable way to identify the areas of greatest cyber security risk, and share good practice in cyber security.

“Too often primary care is not factored into NHS decision-making and planning processes, so we encourage our members to take part.”

The survey closes on 6 April. Take part here.