Your Data Matters to the NHS

The NHS is committed to keeping patients information safe and always being clear about how it is used.

GP practices are no longer able to record a patients wish to opt out of the ‘Your Data Matters to the NHS’ programme. However, you can still choose whether your confidential patient information is used for research and planning. To find out more about this programme and to set a national data opt out using the online service, please visit the NHS website. You can also manage a choice on behalf of another individual by proxy. For example, if you are a parent or guardian of a child under the age of 13.

If you are unable to use the online service or require assistance on making your decision, you can telephone the helpline on 0300 303 5678. The telephone service is available 09:00-17:00, Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays.

It is important that you are aware that the national opt out does not prevent data being uploaded to the Summary Care Record (SCR) as the national data opt out only covers purposes beyond individual care and treatment. If a patient chooses to opt out of having a SCR, they must ask their GP practice to specifically record this decision.