What is the National data Opt out
In May 2018, the rules about how your confidential patient information can and cannot be used were strengthened. The NHS is committed to keeping patient information safe and always being clear about how it is used.
It gives you a clear choice about how your confidential patient information is used for purposes beyond individual care and is in addition of the legal rights afforded by data protection legislation.
You can choose if your confidential patient information can be used to help with new treatments and planning services (often referred to as research and planning).
Information about your health and care helps the NHS to:
- look after you better and improve your individual care
- speed up diagnosis
- plan local services e.g. covid clinics
- research new treatments
- understand staff resourcing requirements
How would my information be used to help with new treatments and planning services?
If you are happy for your confidential patient information being used the team will try not to use your name or identifiable data on information used for things like planning where this can be avoided. Data will always be anonymised or pseudonymised where possible.
The information will be used to help us research new treatments, decide where to put clinics and plan for the number of staff etc.
Sometimes your details and information about your health, care and treatment will be used.
Who can use your confidential patient information to help with new treatments and planning services?
Your patient confidential information can be used by:
- The NHS
- Social Care
- Universities and medical colleges
- Companies inventing and testing new medicines
Choosing if you want your confidential patient information to be used to help with new treatments and planning services
- It’s up to you if you want your confidential patient information to be used to help with new treatments and planning services.
- If you decided not to share your confidential information this will have no affect on the care you receive.
Making Your Decision
- If you are happy about how your confidential information is used, you do not have to do anything.
- If you do not want your confidential patient information to be used to help with new treatments and planning services etc you can opt-out of this easily. You only need to do this once and you can change your mind at any time.
- You can opt-out online or by calling the helpline: 0300 303 5678
Young people
- If you are 13 or over you are considered competent to make this decision and you can opt out yourself.
- If you are under 13 your parent or guardian will need to make the decision and set a national data opt-out on your behalf.
Remember, you can change your choice at any time.
You can find out more information about the national data opt-out programme here.
