National data opt-out

The national data opt-out is a service that allows patients to opt out of their confidential patient information being used for research and planning.

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Set your data opt-out choice

Patients can find out more and set their opt-out choice on the NHS website.

Comply with the national data opt-out

Organisations can find out how to ensure they are compliant with the national data opt-out policy by the deadline.

Understanding the national data opt-out

Overview of the national data opt-out policy, to help you understand how opt-outs work and which data uses or disclosures are in scope.

The national data opt-out was introduced on 25 May 2018, enabling patients to opt out from the use of their data for research or planning purposes, in line with the recommendations of the National Data Guardian in her Review of Data Security, Consent and Opt-Outs.

Patients can view or change their national data opt-out choice at any time by using the online service at www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters or by clicking on "Your Health" in the NHS App, and selecting "Choose if data from your health records is shared for research and planning".

Onboarding is available for use by new market entrant GP IT developers, this will allow GPIT system suppliers to develop and embed the service into their clinical systems.

To achieve compliance, a GPIT System Supplier will need to complete the relevant NHS Digital Assurance Approach and will need to follow the SCAL process (Supplier Conformance Assessment List).

For advice, access to resources, and support contact [email protected].

Further information

Health Education England national data opt-out training

Take this brief module on e-learning for health.

National data opt-out: data protection impact assessment

The data protection impact assessment shows how the processing of national opt-out data has been considered in order to identify and minimise any data protection risks.

Compliance with the national data opt-out

The deadline for health and care organisations to comply with national data opt-out policy is now 31 July 2022. It has been extended to enable health and care organisations to focus their resources on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Find out what you need to do.

Guidance for health and care staff

Guidance and information for health and care staff about the national data opt-out, including GP practice, nursing, midwifery, care, voluntary and helpline staff.

Supporting your patients - information and resources

Leaflets, posters, recommended text for privacy notices and more information you can use, to help your patients understand their national data opt-out choice.

Information for GP practices

What GP practices need to do to comply with the national data opt-out policy, and provide your patients with appropriate information.

Guidance for detained and secure estates

How to register a national data opt-out by proxy on behalf of your patients.

Understanding the national data opt-out

Overview of the national data opt-out policy, to help you understand how opt-outs work and which data uses or disclosures are in scope.

National data opt-out statistics

Statistical analysis of national data opt-outs and how they might affect data used for research and planning.

National Data Opt-Out: GDPR information

Why and how we process your data in the National Data Opt-Out and your rights.

National data opt-out: equality impact assessment

The equality impact assessment demonstrates how the service complies with the public sector equality duty.

National Disease Registration Service

The national data opt-out does not apply to the data collected by the National Disease Registration Service on cancer, rare diseases or congenital anomalies. If you do not want the NDRS to collect your data you need to apply to opt-out with them separately.

Last edited: 22 November 2023 4:32 pm