Care Data
NHS Care Data Programme
Important please read: National NHS
Care Data Programme
To help improve healthcare for yourself and others information about you and the care you receive is needed to be shared, in a secure system. The NHS can use this information to plan and improve services for all patients. Linking information from all the different places where you receive care, such as your GP, hospital and community service, has significant benefits. This will allows the NHS to compare the care you received in one area against the care you received in another, so we can see what has worked best.
Information such as your postcode and NHS number, but not your name, will be used to link your records in a secure system, so your identity is protected. Information which does not reveal your identity can then be used by others, such as researchers and those planning health services, to make sure we provide the best care possible for everyone.
How your information is used and shared is controlled by law and strict rules are in place to protect your privacy.
We need to make sure that you know this is happening and the choices
you have.
Please take time to read the leaflet either online or copies are available at the surgery reception desk.
Do I have a choice?
Yes. You have the right to prevent confidential information about you from being
shared or used for any purpose other than providing your care, except in special
circumstances. If you do not want information that identifies you to be shared
outside your GP practice, ask your practice to make a note of this in your medical
record. This will prevent your confidential information being used other than where
necessary by law, (for example, if there is a public health emergency).
You will also be able to restrict the use of information held by other places you
receive care, such as hospitals and community services. You should let your GP practice reception staff
know if you want to restrict the use of this information.
Your choice will not affect the care you receive.
Do I need to do anything?
If you are happy for your information to be shared you do not need to do anything.
There is no form to fill in and nothing to sign and you can change your mind at
any time.
If you have concerns or are not happy for your information to be shared, speak to
your GP practice reception staff who will be able to direct you to further information or record your request to opt out.
Where can I get more information?
Leaflets in other languages and formats are available from our website.
For more information, including a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs),
Please go to the following website for further information including online patient information leaflets http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/thenhs/records/healthrecords/Pages/care-data.aspx
You can also get further information from the website at http://www.hscic.gov.uk/
Or you can speak to staff at GP practice who have information leaflets available.