Your NHS Data Matters

There have been posts on social media with false information about opting out of sharing your data with the NHS.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • There is no 30 September deadline for opting out of sharing your data. You can opt out at any time.
  • NHS Digital will never sell your data.
  • There are strict rules about how NHS can use your data. It’s only shared securely and safely.
  • Shared data helps the NHS. It has been used to find the first treatment for coronavirus and for vaccine research.

Read NHS Digital’s response to the false information about the national data opt-out

Your health records contain a type of data called confidential patient information. This data can be used to help with research and planning.

You can choose to stop your confidential patient information being used for research and planning. You can also make a choice for someone else like your children under the age of 13.

Type 1 Type 2 opt out explanation

National data opt-out

You can choose whether your confidential patient information is used for research and planning. To find out more visit nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters.

You do not need to do anything if you are happy about how your confidential patient information is used. You can change your choice at any time.

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

You can also 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 practice.

Type 2 opt-out: information held by NHS Digital

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

The type 2 opt-out was replaced by the national data opt-out. Type 2 opt-outs recorded on or before 11 October 2018 have been automatically converted to national data opt-outs.

Opt-out useful information

For type 1 opt out a form needs to be completed and returned to the practice. This can be obtained by visiting NHS: Other Ways To Manage Your Choice.

You can also make or change a choice for yourself by phoning the NHS Digital Contact Centre.

The phone number is 0300 303 5678 – Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00 (excluding bank holidays).

A member of staff can:

  • Help you use the online service
  • Make or change a choice on your behalf
  • Print and post a form to you

Use this service to:

  • Choose if your confidential patient information is used for research and planning
  • Change or check your current choice

Your choice will be applied by:

Any choice you make will not impact your individual care.