Information about you and the care you receive is shared in a secure system by healthcare staff, to support your treatment and care.
It is important that the NHS can use this information to plan and improve services for all patients.
The NHS would like to link information from the different places where you receive care, such as your GP practice, hospital and community services, to help provide a full picture. This will allow the NHS to compare the care you received in one area against the care you received in another, so that they can see what has worked best.
There are two levels of national data-sharing of your information:
Type 1 Opt-out
Information such as your postcode and NHS number, but not your name, will be used by NHS Digital to link your records in a secure system so that your identity is protected.
You have a choice. If you are happy for your information to be used in this way you do not have to do anything. If you have any concerns or wish to prevent this from happening, you can speak to a practice staff member, or download the following Opt-out form, complete it and return it to the practice.
Type 1 Data Opt-out Form
Type 2 Opt-out
Information at NHS Digital which does not reveal your identity can then be used by others, such as researchers and those planning health services, to make sure we provide the best care possible for everyone.
You have a choice. If you are happy for your information to be used in this way you do not have to do anything. If you have any concerns or wish to prevent this from happening, please visit: nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters/manage-your-choice/ to make your choice online, by post or by phone (GP practices do not manage Type 2 opt-outs).
For more information on opting-out of sharing your confidential patient information, click here.