Your Data, Your Choice
You can choose if you want the NHS to share data from your health records for research and planning purposes.
Data is used in different ways in the NHS.
Summary Care Records
One is for your care. That is why your GP health record holds information about your medical conditions, prescriptions and allergies.
This information is called your Summary Care Record. Authorised NHS staff — like A&E teams or hospital specialists — can use it to give you the best possible treatment.
Of course, you have a choice over whether a Summary Care Record is created for you and accessible to others. But opting out may mean people involved in your care do not always have quick and easy access to important information about your health.
To opt out, you must complete an SCR patient consent preference form and return it to your GP Practice.
GP practices are the primary holders of your health record. You can see your information in the NHS App.
Research and Planning
Patient data can also be used for research and planning. This is an important part of how the NHS can ensure it meets patients’ needs and adapts to changes as needed.
Patient data is also vital in developing new treatments and cures for serious illnesses – the COVID-19 vaccines being a clear example.
Patient information can be used by all NHS organisations, and other organisations delivering NHS-funded care.
Researchers may also use data at universities, hospitals, medical royal colleges or pharmaceutical companies working on new treatments.
Your data will never be shared for marketing or insurance purposes unless you request it be shared with, say, your insurance company.
The NHS website has more information about how patient data can be used.
It is your choice whether your data is used for research and planning.
If you are happy for your data to be used, there is nothing you need to do.
You need to opt out if you do not want your data to be used.
Your individual healthcare will NOT be affected if you do opt out.
You can make your data choice online via the NHS website. There are also instructions for making your choice over the phone, by email or in writing.
