Your data matters to the NHS
Information about your health and care helps us to improve your individual care, speed up diagnosis, plan your local services and research new treatments.
In May 2018, the strict rules about how this data can and cannot be used were strengthened. The NHS is committed to keeping patient information safe and always being clear about how it is used.
As a result of these changes, you can choose whether your confidential patient information is used for clinical research and planning.
Quick links
How confidential patient information is used
When your choice does not apply
Your health records
Your health records contain a type of data called confidential patient information. This data can be used to help with research and planning.
You can choose to stop your confidential patient information being used for research and planning. You can also make a choice for someone else like your children under the age of 13.
Your choice will only apply to the health and care system in England. This does not apply to health or care services accessed in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
What is confidential patient information?
Confidential patient information is when two types of information from your health records are joined together.
The two types of information are:
· something that can identify you
· something about your health care or treatment
For example, your name joined with what medicine you take.
Identifiable information on its own is used by health and care services to contact patients and this is not confidential patient information.
How we use your confidential patient information
Your individual care
Health and care staff may use your confidential patient information to help with your treatment and care. For example, when you are a patient at NUH, your clinical team will look at your records for important information about your health.
Research and planning
Confidential patient information might also be used to:
· plan and improve health and care services
· research and develop cures for serious illnesses
Your choice
You can stop your confidential patient information being used for research and planning. Find out how to make your choice.
If you’re happy with your confidential patient information being used for research and planning you do not need to do anything.
Any choice you make will not impact your individual care.
Information in other formats and languages
This information is also available in other languages and formats.