The NHS uses confidential patient information to plan services and for research purposes. The NHS collects confidential patient information from:
- all NHS organisations, trusts and local authorities (including GP surgeries)
- private organisations, such as private hospitals providing NHS funded care
Research bodies and organisations can request access to this information. This includes:
pharmaceutical companies researching new treatments
university researchers
hospital researchers
medical royal colleges.
Who cannot use confidential patient information
Access to confidential patient information will not be given for:
- marketing purposes
- insurance purposes
(unless you request this)
Make your choice online
Use the NHS make your choice service online to:
- choose if your confidential patient information is used for research and planning
- change or check your current choice
Your choice will be applied by all health and care organisations.
Any choice you make will not impact your individual care.
Before you start
You must:
- be aged 13 or older
- have access to your email or mobile phone
- have your NHS number or your postcode registered with your GP surgery
- We need to check who you are before you can make your choice – NHS National Data Opt-Out Service
Other ways to make a choice
You can also make or change a choice for:
- yourself by phone, email or post
- someone else (either a child under 13 or someone you can legally make decisions for) by email or post, use the link:
- Make your choice about sharing data from your health records – NHS
For further information please visit: Understanding the national data opt-out – NHS England Digital