Register your Type 1 Opt-out preference
National data opt-out
You can choose whether your confidential patient information is used for research and planning. To find out more visit nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters
You do not need to do anything if you are happy about how your confidential patient information is used. You can change your choice at any time.
Type 1 opt-out: medical records held at your GP practice
You can also tell your GP practice if you do not want your confidential patient information held in your GP medical record to be used for purposes other than your individual care. This is commonly called a type 1 opt-out. This opt-out request can only be recorded by your GP practice.
Type 2 opt-out: information held by NHS Digital
Previously you could tell your GP practice if you did not want us, NHS Digital, to share confidential patient information that we collect from across the health and care service for purposes other than your individual care. This was called a type 2 opt-out.
The type 2 opt-out was replaced by the national data opt-out. Type 2 opt-outs recorded on or before 11 October 2018 have been automatically converted to national data opt-outs.
Read more about the collection and conversion of type 2 opt-outs
Using the online service
Patients can set their own opt-out choice by visiting www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters using any internet enabled device. So that the service can confirm their identity, they will need to provide:
- their NHS number, or their postcode (as registered with their GP practice)
- their mobile phone number or email address provided previously at a GP practice or other NHS service
The online service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Using the NHS App
Patients who have registered for the NHS App using NHS login can set a national data opt-out using the app.
Using the telephone service
Patients can set their own opt-out choice by calling 0300 303 5678.
Calling this number should cost no more than calls to a normal landline number.
The telephone service is available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, apart from on English bank or public holidays.
Using 'print-and-post'
If you are unable to use the online or telephone service, or would prefer not to, you can compete a paper form and post it or hand into the surgery.
The form can be downloaded below