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You can opt out of your health information being shared with NHS Digital for planning and research before the commencement date.
For more information, please visit the NHS: Manage your choice to find out more.
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The way in which patient data gathering is done by NHS Digital is changing. There is currently a lot of information online and in the news about your choices and opting out of these collections. You can opt out of your GP record being shared with NHS Digital for planning and research and this should be done before the commencement date.
For more information, please visit our privacy notice to find out more.
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Thank you for your email regarding the sharing of patient data and being able to opt out of these collections. The NHS Digital GP Data extraction is a legally required activity for this practice; however, you do have a right to opt out of the sharing of your data for research and planning purposes.
NHS Digital provides a detailed guide for patients on how the information it extracts is used and how you can opt out. This can be found at NHS: General practice data for planning and research.
Please be aware that there are two types of opt out:
- Type 1 – applies at organisational level and means that the patient’s medical record is not extracted from the organisation for any purpose other than for direct patient care
- Type 2 – allows data to be extracted by NHS Digital for its lawful purposes but it cannot share this information with anyone else for research and planning purposes
If you wish to apply type 1 opt out, please let us know and we will apply this locally to your clinical record. This will mean you data is not extracted on or after the commencement date.
If you wish to apply for type 2 national data opt out you must do this directly with NHS Digital. You can do this in any of the following ways:
- Online service – Patients registering need to know their NHS number or their postcode as registered at their GP practice via NHS: Manage your choice
- Phone service 0300 303 5678 which is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm
- NHS App – For use by patients aged 13 and over (95% of surgeries are now connected to the NHS App). The app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google play
- “Print and post” an NHS registration form (PDF)
- Photocopies of proof of applicant’s name (e.g., passport, UK driving licence etc.) and address (e.g., utility bill, payslip etc.) need to be sent with the application. It can take up to 14 days to process the form once it arrives at National Data Opt Out, Contact Centre, NHS Digital, HM Government, 7 and 8 Wellington Place, Leeds, LS1 4AP
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We have received numerous enquiries about patient data being extracted by NHS Digital to be used for research and planning. You, as a patient, have the right to opt out of your information being used in this way.
Extensive information about this process can be found by visiting our website or if you do not have internet access, please speak with a member of our reception team who will be very happy to explain this to you.