NHS Data Opt Out

When there is overriding public interest

Your confidential patient information may still be used in an emergency or in situations where there is an overriding benefit to others. For example, to help manage contagious diseases and stop them spreading, like meningitis. In these situations, the safety of others is most important.
When information that can identify you is removed

Information about your health care or treatment may still be used in research and planning if the information that can identify you is removed first.
When there is a specific exclusion

Your choice does not apply to a small number of specific exclusions, including:

when information is given to the Office for National Statistics for official statistics, like the Population Census
the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey (CPES) and CQC NHS Patient Survey Programme
data shared with Public Health England for the National Cancer Registration Service, the National Congenital Anomalies and Rare Diseases Registration Service and the oversight of population screening programmes
when data is used to make sure people with learning disabilities and/or autism receive the best care possible when in hospital for mental health or challenging behaviour issues (also known as assuring transformation)
the Children and Young People’s Cancer Patient Experience Survey (for the first 2 years of its implementation. This temporary exemption will then be reviewed)

You may be able to make a separate decision on whether or not your information can be used by some of the other services listed.

There have been posts on social media with false information about opting out of sharing your data with the NHS.

Here's what you need to know:

   There is no 30 September deadline for opting out of sharing your data. You can opt out at any time.
   NHS Digital will never sell your data.
   There are strict rules about how NHS can use your data. It's only shared securely and safely.
   Shared data helps the NHS. It has been used to find the first treatment for coronavirus and for vaccine research.