Posted: 25 November 2019

National data opt-out

The national data opt-out, introduced on 25 May 2018, is a service that allows people to opt out of their confidential patient information being used for purposes beyond their individual care and treatment – for research and planning. Most of the time anonymised data is used so that you cannot be identified.

You have a choice about whether you want your confidential patient information to be used in this way. If you are happy with this use of information you do not need to do anything. If you do choose to opt out, your confidential patient information will still be used to support your individual care.

To find out more or to register your choice to opt out, please visit www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters. In our Fair Processing Notice which is available on this website you will:

• See what is meant by confidential patient information
• Find examples of when confidential patient information is used for individual care and examples of when it is used for purposes beyond individual care
• Find out more about the benefits of sharing data
• Understand more about who uses the data
• Find out how your data is protected
• Find the contact telephone number if you want to know any more or to set/change your opt-out by phone
• See the situations where the opt-out will not apply

You can change your mind about your choice at any time.

The Trust is committed to the National Data Opt-Out scheme and is currently working towards implementing the new processes by 31 March 2020.  This is aligned to the national NHS timelines and will enable us to apply your choice to any confidential patient information we use or share for purposes beyond your individual care.

Further information can be found on the following website:

https://digital.nhs.uk/national-data-opt-out

To register your choice to opt out if you do not want your data to be used for research and planning, visit www.nhs.uk/my-data-choice.

If you choose to opt out you can still consent to your data being used for specific purposes.