The NHS uses your data to: 

  • provide you care
  • plan better services for everyone
  • help researchers find new treatments.

You have a choice about how your health data is used. 

Why share data? 

  • better care: Health and care professionals know your history and can treat you safely
  • faster help: No need to repeat your health story
  • improved NHS: Data helps plan for enough staff, medicines, and equipment
  • fairness: NHS can spot if some groups need more help.

Your rights

  • you can opt-out of your data being used for research and planning
  • you can opt back in at any time
  • you have the right to know how your data is used
  • you can ask to see, correct, or move your data. 

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

Types of opt out

Type  

What this means  

How to opt-out  

GP data opt-out  

This stops your GP surgery from sharing your confidential information for research and planning .  

  1. Does not affect day-to-day care.
  2. Only covers GP-held data.

Ask your GP.  

National data opt-out  

This stops the NHS from using or sharing your confidential information for research and planning across England.  

  1. Does not affect your care.
  2. Covers most NHS organisations.

Use the NHS App or website.
A table showing the types of opt-out in the NHS.

Opting out does not affect your day-to-day care. Your data will still be used to care for you.

When opt-out doesn't apply 

  • direct care: Health and care professionals need your information to treat you
  • if you give consent: You can agree to take part in research
  • public health emergencies: Like outbreaks or risks to others
  • required by law: Court orders or safeguarding.

How to opt-out or opt back in 

You can change your mind anytime.

If you opt-out: 

  • you will still get NHS care 
  • your medicines and allergies will still be shared with healthcare staff 
  • you may not be invited to take part in research or clinical trials 
  • some improvements to NHS services may not include your data.

If you do nothing: 

  • your data may be used to improve NHS services and support research 
  • your identity will be protected.