Your NHS Data – Your Choice

How your confidential patient information is used

Your health records contain personal information about you and your health. Some of this information may be used to help improve NHS services and support medical research.

You have a choice about whether your confidential patient information is used for research and planning. This is called the National Data Opt-Out.

You can also make this choice on behalf of your child if they are under 13, or for another person if you have the legal authority to do so.

Important: Your choice will not affect the care or treatment you receive.

This service applies to the health and care system in England only. It does not apply to services in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Confidential patient information is information that combines:

  • Information that identifies you, such as your name or NHS number.

  • Information about your health or treatment, such as your medical conditions or medicines.

For example, your name linked to details of the medicines you take is confidential patient information.

Information used only to identify or contact you, such as your name and address, is not considered confidential patient information on its own.

How is your information used?

Doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals use information from your health records to provide safe and effective care.

For example, your GP may check your medical history or current medicines when treating you.

The National Data Opt-Out does not affect how your information is used for your individual care.

Research and planning

Confidential patient information may also be used to:

  • Improve and plan NHS and social care services.

  • Support medical research.

  • Develop new treatments and cures for serious illnesses.

  • Help healthcare organisations understand and meet patients' needs.

You can choose whether your confidential patient information is used for these purposes.

Your choice: National Data Opt-Out

You have two options:

Allow your information to be used

If you are happy for your confidential patient information to be used for research and planning, you do not need to do anything.

Choose to opt out

If you do not want your confidential patient information to be used for research and planning, you can register your choice with the NHS.

You can also check or change your choice at any time.

 

Whatever you decide, your NHS care and treatment will not be affected.

There are some circumstances where your information may still be used, even if you have opted out.

These include:

  • When required by law: For example, if information must be provided under a court order.

  • When you have given consent: For example, if you have agreed to take part in a medical research study.

  • To protect public health: For example, to help control the spread of infectious diseases.

  • When identifying details have been removed: Information that cannot identify you may still be used for research and planning.

  • For certain official purposes: Some specific uses, such as producing official national statistics, are excluded from the opt-out.

For more information, visit Understanding the National Data Opt-Out.

The quickest way to manage your choice is through the NHS online service.

You can use this service to:

  • Register your choice.

  • Check your existing choice.

  • Change your choice at any time.

What you will need

To use the online service, you must:

  • Be aged 13 or over.

  • Have access to your email or mobile phone.

  • Know your NHS number or the postcode registered with your GP surgery.

Find your NHS number

Start now – Manage your NHS data choice

Other ways to make your choice

If you prefer not to use the online service, you can make or change your choice by telephone, email or post.

By telephone

Call the NHS National Data Opt-Out Contact Centre:

0300 303 5678

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays).

The team can:

  • Help you use the online service.

  • Make or change your choice over the phone.

  • Send you a paper form to complete.

By email or post

You can download and complete a form, then email or post it to the Contact Centre.

Download the form – Make or manage your choice (PDF)

Email: enquiries@nhsdigital.nhs.uk

Postal address:

National Data Opt Out Contact CentreNHS EnglandFreepostPO Box 16738Redditch

Making a choice for someone else

For a child under 13

If you are the parent or legal guardian of a child under 13, you can make or change their choice on their behalf.

Download the form – Make a choice for yourself or your child (PDF)

Complete the form and return it by email or post using the contact details above.

For another adult

You may be able to make or change a choice on behalf of another adult if you have the appropriate legal authority.

This includes being their:

  • Health and welfare lasting power of attorney.

  • Property and financial affairs lasting power of attorney.

  • Court of Protection deputy.

Download the form – Make a choice for someone else (PDF)

Complete the form and return it by email or post to the Contact Centre.

For further information about how the NHS uses your confidential patient information and how to manage your choice, visit:

NHS – Your Data Matters

NHS England – National Data Opt-Out