Important notice - data opt out has been postponed
The current NHS Digital (NHSD) extract of GP data for Research purposes (known as the GPDPR) has been delayed due to NHSD wishing to review the way in which this data will be collected, to conduct more public involvement and information about the plans and change the way in which patients can opt out of the extract of their GP data.
Currently the only way to opt out is to complete a Type 1 opt out form and return this to the practice by the 1st September (now postponed). However, this extract will not be taken until the NHSD have changed the way it will take the data and respect the patient’s choice for using their data. NHSD are introducing the following changes to the opt out process which will mean that patients will be able to change their opt-out status at any time:
- patients do not need to submit a Type 1 opt-out by 1st September (now postponed) to ensure their GP data will not be uploaded
- NHS Digital will create the technical means to allow GP data that has previously been uploaded to the system via the GPDPR collection to be deleted when someone submits a Type 1 opt-out
- the plan to retire Type 1 opt-outs will be deferred for at least 12 months while we get the new arrangements up and running and will not be implemented without consultation with the RCGP, the BMA and the National Data Guardian
This means that you can opt out at any time in the future and NHSD will delete data that they already have taken for research purposes, the deadline of the 01/09/2020 has been delayed until a new system of opt out is developed. Hopefully, this will be a simple centralised approach via the NHS app or NHS website to avoid paper form and administration work for your GP.
We will update you when we know more about the NHSD plans to change how you can control who has access to your data.
For more information about this visit NHS Digital
As of 1st September 2021 (now postponed) your data will be shared with NHS Digital to help improve health, care and services.
Patient data from GP medical records kept by GP practices in England is used every day to improve health, care and services through planning and research, helping to find better treatments and improve patient care. The NHS is introducing an improved way to share this information - called the General Practice Data for Planning and Research data collection.
NHS Digital will collect, analyse, publish and share this patient data to improve health and care services for everyone. This includes:
- informing and developing health and social care policy
- planning and Commissioning health and care services
- taking steps to protect public health (including managing and monitoring the coronavirus pandemic)
- in exceptional circumstances, providing you with individual care
- enabling healthcare and scientific research
Any data that NHS Digital collects will only be used for health and care purposes. It is never shared with marketing or insurance companies.
Read more about the data NHS Digital collects
NHS Digital will not collect any patient data for patients who have already submitted a Type 1 Opt-out in line with current policy. If this changes patients who have submitted a Type 1 Opt-out will be informed.
If you do not want your patient data shared with NHS Digital, you can submit a Type 1 Opt-out with us. You can submit a Type 1 Opt-out at any time. You can also change your mind at any time and withdraw a Type 1 Opt-out.
Data sharing with NHS Digital will start on 1st September 2021 (now postponed).
If you have already submitted a Type 1 Opt-out with your GP practice your data will not be shared with NHS Digital.
If you wish to submit a Type 1 Opt-out with your GP practice before data sharing starts with NHS Digital, this should be done by returning this form (EXTERNAL DOWNLOAD LINK) to us by 25 August 2021 (now postponed) to allow time for processing it. If you have previously submitted a Type 1 Opt-out and you would like to withdraw this, you can also use the form to do this. You can send the form by post or call 01342 823121 for a form to be sent out to you.
If you submit a Type 1 Opt-out after your patient data has already been shared with NHS Digital, no more of your data will be shared with NHS Digital. NHS Digital will however still hold the patient data which was shared with us before you submitted the Type 1 Opt-out.
If you do not want NHS Digital to share your identifiable patient data with anyone else for purposes beyond your own care, then you can also submit a National Data Opt-out. There is more about National Data Opt-outs and when they apply in the National Data Opt-out section below.
OPT OUT FORM (EXTERNAL DOWNLOAD LINK)
You can return the completed form by post or by hand, please mark for the attention of reception.