How to make your choice Find out why your data matters

Use this service to choose whether your confidential patient information can be used for research and planning.

If you choose not to allow your confidential patient information to be used for research and planning, 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.

Making your choice

You can make or change your choice by using our online service or completing a paper form and posting it back to us. You can also ask for help using our telephone service. You must complete a paper form if you wish to make or change a choice on behalf of someone else.

Before you start

You must have an email address or phone number registered with an NHS service to use the online service. Ask your GP surgery 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 or 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 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 surgery for help if you can't find your NHS number.

Start now

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.