Coded health data held in GP systems from your medical records will be uploaded to NHS Digital from 1st July unless patients opted out of this before 1st September 2021.
NHS Digital information on GPDPR
This is a legal requirement for practices and both the British Medical Association and the Royal College of General Practitioners have called for improved communication with the public from NHS Digital on how their medical information will be used for Planning & Research with non-NHS sources.
The National Data Opt-Out will not apply to the collection of this data by NHS Digital, as this is a collection which is required by law, however it will be applied by NHS Digital on access or dissemination of data.
Data that will be shared:
- data on sex, ethnicity and sexual orientation
- clinical codes and data about diagnoses, symptoms, observations, test results, medications, allergies, immunisations, referrals, recalls and appointments, including information about your physical, mental and sexual health
- data about staff who have treated you
What will not be shared:
- your name and address (except your postcode in unique coded form)
- written notes (free text), such as the details of conversations with doctors and nurses
- images, letters and documents
- coded data that is not needed due to its age – for example medication, referral and appointment data that is over 10 years old
- coded data that we are not permitted to share by law – for example certain codes about IVF treatment, and certain information about gender reassignment
Opting out of this process will not affect your direct medical care, nor will it affect the sharing of your records to allow professionals treating you to have access to your relevant information. Opting out will not affect your use of the NHS App.
You can opt into the process later on if you feel you would like your data to be shared.
You can still contribute to medical trials and research, importantly where you are asked for your permission first.