Your Data Matters to the NHS
Information about your health and care helps us to improve your individual care, speed up diagnosis, plan your local services and research new treatments. The NHS is committed to keeping patient information safe and always being clear about how it is used.
How your data is used
Information about your individual care such as treatment and diagnoses is collected about you whenever you use health and care services. It is also used to help us and other organisations for research and planning such as research into new treatments, deciding where to put GP clinics and planning for the number of doctors and nurses in your local hospital. It is only used in this way when there is a clear legal basis to use the information to help improve health and care for you, your family and future generations.
Wherever possible we try to use data that does not identify you, but sometimes it is necessary to use your confidential patient information.
Using your health data for planning and research
You can decide whether you wish to have your information extracted and there are two main options available to you.
Option 1:
Type 1 Opt-out applies at organisational level and means that your medical record is not extracted from the organisation for any purpose other than for direct patient care. You can opt out at any time. Opting out will mean that no further extractions will be taken from your medical record.
Further information is available here.
Option 2:
Type 2 Opt-out allows data to be extracted by NHS Digital for their lawful purposes but they cannot share this information with anyone else for research and planning purposes. You can opt out at any time.
Further information is available here.
How do you opt out?
Type 1 – You need to contact the practice by phone, email or post to let us know that you wish to opt out.
Type 2 – you need to inform NHS Digital. Unfortunately, this cannot be done by the practice for you. You can do this by any of the following methods:
- Online service – You will need to know your NHS number or your postcode as registered at your GP practice via https://www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters/manage-your-choice/
- Telephone service 0300 303 5678 which is open Monday to Friday between 0900 and 1700
- NHS App – For use by patients aged 13 and over . The app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google play
- “Print and post” registration form: https://assets.nhs.uk/prod/documents/Manage_your_choice_1.1.pdf
- Photocopies of proof of the applicant’s name (e.g., passport, UK driving licence etc.) and address (e.g., utility bill, payslip etc.) need to be sent with the application.
It can take up to 14 days to process the form once it arrives at NHS, PO Box 884, Leeds. LS1 9TZ
Will choosing this opt-out affect your care and treatment?
No, choosing to opt out will not affect how information is used to support your care and treatment. You will still be invited for screening services, such as screenings for bowel cancer.