National Data Opt-Out
Find out about how your information may be used for purposes beyond your individual care and how to register your choice to opt out.
For further information about the Council鈥檚 processing of personal data please see our Privacy Notices.
This information was last updated on 15 June 2023.
Introduction
The NHS National Data Opt-Out allows individuals to opt out of their confidential patient information being used for research and planning purposes.
NHS organisations and local authorities that are part of the health and adult social care system in England must apply the national data opt-out to confidential patient information that originates within that system. Confidential patient information includes information about both health and social care of individuals.
Health service providers, private providers, local authorities, and public health organisations all most consider opt-outs when processing information for purposes beyond individual care. The opt-out policy also applies to health and care services commissioned by local authorities in England, irrespective of the providing organisation.
There are some exclusions to the opt-out policy, including specifically:
- children鈥檚 social care and education services (where regulated by Ofsted or the Department for Education)
- health-related data that originates and is shared outside of the health and adult social care system in England, for example data produced by or shared with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Her Majesty鈥檚 Revenue and Customs (HMRC), or Courts
- any information that has been generated solely for research purposes
The Council publishes privacy notices for all services where personal data is processed to inform individuals how we use such data. Information Sharing Agreements are in place with partners and organisations where there is an ongoing need to share data.