Your Data Matters

You can chose whether your confidential patient information is used for research and planning.

Your data is used to improve your individual care. It is also used to help the NHS research new treatments, decide where to put GP clinics and plan for the number of doctors and nurses in your local hospital.

Confidential patient information identifies you and says something about your health, care and treatment. You would expect this information to be kept private. Information that only identifies you, such as your name and address is NOT considered confidential patient information and may still be used.

Who can use your confidential patient information for research and planning?

It is used by the NHS, local authorities, universities, hospital researchers, medical colleges and pharmaceutical companies researching new treatments.

Making your data opt out choice

You can chose to opt out of sharing your data for research and planning. However there may still be times when your confidential patient information is used; for example, during an epidemic where there might be risk to you or to other people’s health. If you do opt out you can still consent to take part in a specific research project.

Will choosing this opt-out affect your care and treatment?

Your care and treatment will not be affected if you chose to opt-out of this and you WILL still be invited to things such as screening services, such as bowel cancer screenings.

What should you do next?

If you are happy with the way your data is used, you do not need to do anything. However if you do not wish for your confidential patient information to be used for research and planning, you can chose to opt out securely online or through a telephone service.


To find out more or make your choice visit Overview – Choose if data from your health records is shared for research and planning – NHS (www.nhs.uk) Or call 0300 303 5678

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