Your health records contain a type of data called confidential patient information. This data can be used to help with research and planning. You can choose to stop your confidential patient information being used for research and planning. You can also make a choice for someone else, like your children under the age of 13. Your choice will only apply to the health and care system in England. This will not apply to health and/or care services accessed in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

What is confidential patient information?

Confidential patient information is when 2 types of information from your health records are joined together. The 2 types of information are:

• something that can identify you
• something about your healthcare or treatment

For example, your name linked with the the kind of medication you are on. Identifiable information on its own is used by health and care services to contact patients. This is not confidential patient information.

How the NHS uses your confidential information

Your indiviual care: Health and care staff may use your confidential patient information to help with your treatment and care. For example, when you visit your GP they may look at your records for important information about your health.

Research and planning: Confidential patient information might also be used to -

• plan and improve health and care services
• research and develop cures for serious illnesses

Your choice

You can stop your confidential patient information being used for research and planing. Find out how to make your choice. If you're happy with your confidential patient information being used for research and planning, you do not need to do anything. Any choice you make will not impact your individual care.

Opt out of Type-1 data sharing

If you do not want your patient data shared with NHS Digital, you can register a Type-1 opt out with your GP practice. This can be done at any time and you can also withdraw your opt-out if you change your mind. Click here to access the TYPE-1 OPT OUT FORM.

Please post or email your Type-1 opt out form to Coleridge Medical Centre once it has been completed.