Information about GP and NHS data sharing and how to opt out

There has been national debate in the media about NHS Digital’s plans to share data from GP practices for planning services and research purposes, with concerns about personal health data being shared with third parties. 

NHS Digital want to collect GP data to support vital health and care planning and research. The data held in the GP medical records of patients is already used every day to support health and care planning and research in England. It helps to find better treatments and improve patient outcomes for everyone. NHS Digital has developed a new way to collect this data, called the General Practice Data for Planning and Research data collection.

The new data collection reduces the burden on GP practices, allowing doctors and other staff to focus on patient care.

NHS Digital will not collect patients’ names or addresses, or any other data that could directly identify patients (such as NHS Number, date of birth, full postcode).

NHS Digital has published information about their approach to collecting data from GP practice records and why they are going to do this. This information can be found on their website https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/data-collections-and-data-sets/data-collections/general-practice-data-for-planning-and-research#top

Opting out

The system was due to begin on 1 July, but the date has now been pushed back to 1 September. If you DO NOT want your GP records to be shared, you will need opt out before 1 September.

There are two ways to opt out:

1. Stop your GP record data being shared anonymously with other NHS services for planning and development. This would prevent your data being used in the anonymous information local NHS service commissioners and decision makers use to plan services. You will need to complete the form called Type 1 Opt out form and return it to your GP practice before 1 September. Some GP practices are only accepting a printed copy. Find the Type 1 Opt out form here https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/data-collections-and-data-sets/data-collections/general-practice-data-for-planning-and-research#opting-out.
2. Agree to share your information with the NHS planners but NOT with external research organisations. You can do this via https://www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters/manage-your-choice/ or use the NHS App or call 0300 303 56 78.

Opting out in either of these ways will NOT prevent information about your own care and treatment being shared between the services providing you with treatment and care (for example between your GP and a hospital).

Watch this video to find out more about how the NHS uses your patient data.