National Data Opt-out

Your Data Matters to the NHS

Information about your health and care helps the NHS to improve your individual care, speed up diagnosis, plan your local services and research new treatments.

NHS Digital

In May 2018, the strict rules about how this data 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.

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

If you’re happy for your medical records to be extracted and shared, you don’t need to do anything.

Type 1 Opt-out: medical records held at your GP practice

You can tell your GP practice if you do not want your confidential patient information held in your GP medical record to be used for purposes other than your individual care. This is commonly called a type 1 opt-out. This opt-out request can only be recorded by your GP.

If you choose a Type 1 opt-out, please complete our National Type 1 Data Opt Out Form

Type 2 Opt-out: information held by NHS Digital

A Type 2 opt-out is an objection that prevents an individuals personal confidential information from being shared outside of NHS Digital, that is used for research and planning.

Previously you could tell your GP surgery if you did not want NHS Digital to share confidential patient information that is collected from across the health and care service for purposes other than your individual care. This was called a type 2 opt-out.

From 25 May 2018 the type 2 opt-out has been replaced by the national data opt-out. Type 2 opt-outs that have been recorded previously have been automatically converted to national data opt-outs.

To find out more or to make your choice visit: nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters 

or call 0300 303 5678

and/or view the NHS Digital patient Leaflet