Information/data about each patient’s health and care helps to improve each patient’s individual care, speeds up diagnosis, assists in planning local services and research for new treatments. The NHS is committed to keeping patient information safe and always being clear about how it is used.

How the data is used

Information about each patient’s care such as treatment and diagnoses is collected whenever the patient uses health and care services. It is also used to help the NHS and other organisations in research and planning such as research into new treatments, deciding where to put GP clinics and planning for the number of doctors and nurses in local hospitals. It is only used in this way when there is a clear legal basis to use the information to help improve health and care for the patient, their family and future generations.

Wherever possible the NHS tries to use data that does not specifically identify the individual patient, but sometimes it is necessary to use their confidential patient information.

Each patient has a choice

The patient does not need to do anything if they are happy about how their information is used. If the patient does not want their confidential patient information to be used for research and planning, they can choose to opt out securely online or through a telephone service. Additionally, they can change their mind about their choice at any time.

Will choosing this opt-out affect a patient’s care and treatment?

No, choosing to opt out will not affect how information is used to support each patient’s care and treatment. The patient will still be invited for screening services, such as screenings for bowel cancer.

What do each individual need to do?

If the patient is happy for their confidential patient information to be used for research and planning, they do not need to do anything.

To find out more about the benefits of data sharing, how data is protected, or to make/change your opt-out choice visit www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters.

Steve Pitwell, Primary Care Senior Digital Business Partner, said “the Lincolnshire Primary Care Digital Delivery Team work hard to develop digital systems that will benefit all our citizens. However, we also believe that our citizens must be able to make their own choices. For those that are happy to share their data, we strive to  protect that data and ensure it is only shared appropriately to improve care for all of the population.”

Published 10/05/2023