Manage your choice Find out why your data matters
- Overview
- Benefits of data sharing
- How your data is used
- Manage your choice
Use this service to request that your confidential patient information is not used beyond your own individual care.
If you decide to opt out, this will be respected and applied by NHS Digital and Public Health England. These organisations collect, process and release health and adult social care data on a national basis. Your decision will also be respected and applied by all other organisations that are responsible for health and care information by March 2020.
An opt-out will only apply to the health and care system in England. This does not apply to your health data where you have accessed health or care services outside of England, such as in Scotland and Wales.
If you choose to opt out, your data may still be used during some specific situations. For example, during an epidemic where there might be a risk to other people’s health.
More information on where opt-outs don't apply.
Before you start
You must have an email address or phone number registered with an NHS service to continue online. Ask your GP Practice for help if you need to confirm your contact information is up-to-date.
To continue you will need:
- to be aged 13 or over
- access to your email or mobile phone
- your NHS number
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 on any document sent to you by the NHS. This may include:
- prescriptions
- test results
- hospital referral letters
- appointment letters
- your NHS medical card
Ask your GP practice for help if you can't find your NHS number.
Other ways to manage your choice
If you are unable to use our online service or wish to set a choice on behalf of someone else, see other ways to manage your choice.