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DARS coronavirus (COVID-19) response
We are prioritising requests for data in respect of COVID-19 as urgent requirements. This means that other applications or enquiries may be delayed.
We are also prioritising applications for data agreements that are about to expire, or where organisational changes are taking place.
If you have any immediate concerns, please contact your case officer directly or email enquiries@nhsdigital.nhs.uk referencing DARS in the subject field.
Access GPES data for pandemic planning and research (COVID-19)
To support the response to the coronavirus outbreak, NHS Digital has been asked to establish a central collection of GP patient data for COVID-19 purposes for the duration of the coronavirus emergency period.
Applicants should fill in the Access Request Form for GPES Data for Pandemic Planning and Research (COVID-19) and send it to covid-19datasharing@nhsx.nhs.uk. If the request is approved you will then complete the DARS online process in the normal way.
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.
NHS Digital can provide access to a wide range of products and 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.
How to access our data
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).
How NHS Digital protects data
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.
Contact us
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.
Further information
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internal Data Access Request Service (DARS): process
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.
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internal How the national data opt-out affects data released by NHS Digital
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.
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internal Data Access Request Service (DARS) products and services
A description of the data products we use to provide data extracts and other services.
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internal Data Access Request Service (DARS) guidance
Track your application via DARS online, book yourself onto a webinar and browse the application guidance catalogue.
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internal Data Sharing Audits
We carry out independent audits to check that our customers are meeting their obligations towards data security.
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internal Register of approved data releases
Our data release registers are a record of all the data we have shared with other organisations.
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internal Data Access Request Service (DARS) charges from 2020/2021
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.
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internal Linked datasets supporting health and care delivery and research
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.
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internal Data Access Request Service (DARS) online: GDPR information
Why and how we process your data in the Data Access Request Service (DARS) online system and your rights.
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internal GPES data for pandemic planning and research (COVID-19): agreed process document
This document details the process agreed upon between NHS Digital, IGARD, BMA and RCGP to provide extra safeguards for GPES COVID-19 data releases.
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internal Research Advisory Group terms of reference 2020 - 2021
Research Advisory Group terms of reference 2020 -2021.
Last edited: 13 October 2020 1:52 pm