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.

You have a choice

You do not need to do anything if you are happy about how your information is used. If you do not want your confidential patient information to be used for research and planning, you can choose to opt out securely online or through a telephone service. You can change your mind about your choice at any time.

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.

What do you need to do?

If you are happy for your confidential patient information to be used for research and planning, you do not need to do anything.

To find out more about the benefits of data sharing, how data is protected, or to make/change your opt-out choice visit www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters

Download a copy of the patient leaflet

General Practice Data for Planning and Research (GPDPR)

NHS Digital is responsible for health and care data in England and has collected patient data from general practices using a programme called General Practice Extraction Service (GPES). This programme had operated for over 10 years but now needs updating to keep up to date with the progression of computers and software. This update will be live and working from 1st July 2021.

The programme that will be replacing GPES is called General Practice Data for Planning and Research (GPDPR). This will be more up to date and will provide better results when collection patient data. GPDPR will research the long term impact that the coronavirus has had on patients. it also can research in depth healthcare inequalities, research and develop cures for serious illnesses.

NHS Digital will collect the following data:

• Data about diagnoses, symptoms, observations, test results, medications, allergies, immunisations, referrals, recalls and appointments, including information about physical, mental and sexual health.
• Data on gender, ethnicity and Sexual orientation.
• Data about clinical staff that have treated the patients.

NHS Digital will not collect any of the following data:

• Name and address.
• Images, letters and documents.
• Historical coded data that is over the age of 10 years.
• Coded data that is protected by law for example IVF treatment and any codes regarding gender re-assigment.

Patients have the right to refuse NHS Digital the access to their medical record. To find out more information please follow the link : https://www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters/.

You are able to opt out of GPDPR by downloading and completing the Type 1 Opt Out Form and returning it to your GP surgery.

Type 1 Opt Out Form