National data opt-out programme
Information about your health and care helps us to improve your individual care, speed up diagnosis, plan your local services and research new treatments.
In May 2018, strict rules about how this data can and cannot be used were strengthened. The NHS is committed to keeping patient information safe and always being clear about how it is used.
By 2020 all health and care organisations are required to be compliant with the national data opt-out policy, where confidential patient information is used for research and planning purposes. NHS Digital and Public Health England are already compliant and are applying national data opt-outs.
You can choose whether your confidential patient information is used for research and planning. You can view or change your national data opt-out choice at any time by using the online service at www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters.
You can also download the 'Your data matters' leaflet here 'Your data matters' leaflet
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