Opting out

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You can opt out if you want to stop your data from being used for research and health and care service planning.

However, if enough people do this, it could impact how SDEs can improve medicines, treatments and services in future. If you have concerns about SDEs, information on these webpages may help:

If you are happy for your data to be used for research and development, you don’t need to do anything. Any choice you make will not affect your care.

National data opt-out

The national data opt-out service allows you to opt out of your NHS information being used for all research and development.

You can find out more and make your choice on the NHS.uk website.

Local data opt-outs

If you do not wish to apply a blanket national opt out, you can apply locally to stop your data being used for planning and research.

Depending on where you live in the North West, a different local data opt-out will apply to you. Information on the different opt-outs is on the links below.

If you are unsure which local data opt-out applies to you, this NHS Digital geographic search can help.

Type 1 opt-out

The Type 1 opt-out prevents GPs from sharing your data for research and development.

To do this you need to fill in an opt-out form and return it to your GP surgery.

Only your GP can process the Type 1 opt-out. They will tell you if, and when, you have been opted out.

NHS England will still be able to collect and use your data from other healthcare providers, such as hospitals.

Opting back in

If you do choose to opt out, you can check and change your choice at any time.

To change your national data opt-out status, visit the NHS.uk website.

To change a local data opt-out choice, visit the link relevant for you below:

When opt-out decisions do not apply

There are some situations where opt-out decisions do not apply. You can find out more on the NHS.uk website.

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