National Data Opt-Out Programme

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

The national data opt-out is introduced on 25 May 2018, providing a facility for individuals to opt-out from the use of their data for research or planning purposes. This is provided in line with the recommendations of the National Data Guardian in her Review of Data Security, Consent and Opt-Outs. The service will initially be in beta, while we ensure the service design is optimal.

Individual preferences will be collected from 25 May and by 2020 all health and care organisations are required to have applied these preferences in all research and planning situations in which confidential patient information is used. NHS Digital will apply these preferences with immediate effect.

The national data opt-out will replace the previous ‘type 2’ opt-out, which required NHS Digital to refrain from sharing a patient’s confidential patient information for purposes beyond their direct care. Any person with an existing type 2 opt-out will have it automatically converted to a national data opt-out from 25 May 2018 and will shortly receive a letter giving them more information and a leaflet explaining the new national data opt-out.

You can find out more and set your opt-out choice by using the online service at nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters.

Please click here for an information leaflet.

For an easy read booklet, please click here.

For a large print version, please click here.

For an audio version, please click here.