Information:
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.
Read NHS Digital's response to the false information about the national data opt-out
Use this service to:
- choose if your confidential patient information is used for research and planning
- change or check your current choice
Your choice will be applied by:
- NHS Digital and Public Health England
- all other health and care organisations by 31 March 2021 (delayed from March 2020 to allow organisations to focus on the COVID-19 outbreak). Read more about the extension to the compliance deadline for national data opt-out.
Any choice you make will not impact your individual care.
Before you start
You must:
- be aged 13 or older
- have access to your email or mobile phone
- have your NHS number or your postcode registered with your GP surgery
Where can I find my NHS number?
An NHS number is a 10 digit number, like 485 777 3456.
You can find your NHS number by logging in to a GP online service or on any document sent to you by the NHS, such as your:
- prescriptions
- test results
- hospital referral letters
- appointment letters
Ask your GP surgery for help if you can't find your NHS number.
Other ways to make a choice
You can also make or change a choice for:
- yourself by post or phone
- someone else by post
Find out how to make a choice by post or phone.
Page last reviewed: 10 July 2019
Next review due: 10 July 2022