The Data Access Request Service (DARS) can offer clinicians, researchers and commissioners the data required to help improve NHS services.
Existing customers can find out more about how to make the most of DARS on our guidance page. You’ll find a range of resources including videos, webinars and guidance documents.
If you’re an existing customer, you can also track and amend applications by accessing DARS Online.
New customers can learn more about DARS and the application process by reading below.
Organisations and individuals wanting to use certain kinds of data need to show they meet strict data governance standards by completing our DARS application process.
The DARS team makes sure we only supply sensitive patient level data to organisations that look after it according to Information Governance (IG) requirements, and use it to improve health and care services.
View the range of data products and services available through DARS.
We make charges to cover the costs of managing your application, processing data and providing access. View our latest charging guidelines.
Before you begin the application process please contact us to discuss your requirements. Not all enquiries progress to the application stage - it may be that your requirement can be satisfied through existing published data.
When you're ready to proceed with an application you'll need to follow the DARS application process.
Once your DARS application has been approved, data will be made available either by secure file transfer or through the Data Access Environment (DAE).
Our decisions and actions are bound by law and policies. We will check that there is an appropriate legal basis for us to receive, process and pass data to you. We will also check that you have safeguards in place so that you store and handle the data safely and securely.
We carry out data sharing audits to check that you meet the obligations in your data sharing contract and Data Sharing Agreement.
Learn more about how NHS Digital protects your information.
On the 7th February 2018 we sent a letter to our customers. It contains advice on data access and their responsibilities for data management with respect to General Data Protection Regulations. View and download the letter.
To discuss any aspect of DARS or an existing application call the DARS team on 0300 303 5678 or email enquiries@nhsdigital.nhs.uk.
Existing customers can also call their assigned Case Officer.
A summary of the stages you'll need to navigate in your application for data. The DARS process consists of the following stages: Enquiry, Application, Approval, Access, Audit and Deletion of data.
Anyone wishing to apply for data should be aware that from 25 May 2018 NHS Digital removes certain patient records from data it releases, where a patient has registered a national data opt-out.
A description of the data products we use to provide data extracts and other services.
Track your application via DARS Online, book yourself onto a webinar and browse the application guidance catalogue.
We carry out independent audits to check that our customers are meeting their obligations towards data security.
Our data release register is a record of all the data we have shared with other organisations.
Estimated DARS service charges for the year 2018/19 listed by service component. Actual costs will be confirmed at the end of the application process and formally agreed before work commences.
NHS Digital produces a variety of linked datasets as part of data processing. Many of these are available to users by request through the Data Access Request Service (DARS) Process.
Why and how we process your data in the Data Access Request Service (DARS) online system and your rights.