Data opt-out information

The General Practice Data for Planning and Research (GPDPR) data extract by NHS Digital from GP Practices across England will help the NHS to improve health and care services for everyone, by collecting patient data and holding it in a central national database.

This is an upgrade to an existing similar process called GPES – General Practice Extract Service, this new data collection will be more efficient, effective, and much more frequent.

For example, patient data held in this new national database can help the NHS to:

  • monitor the long-term safety and effectiveness of care
  • plan how to deliver better health and care services
  • prevent the spread of infectious diseases
  • identify new treatments and medicines through health research

What are your choices?

  1.    If you are happy with the new General Practice Data for Planning and Research (GPDPR) system, you need to do nothing and your data will be shared in the new way from 1st September 2021. This means you will be contributing to medical research and better NHS planning.
  2.    If you want to opt-out of your data leaving us you need to register for a ‘Type 1 Opt-Out’. This stops your date being extracted by NHS digital.
  3.    If you are happy for your date to go to NHS digital, but not for NHS digital to share it with other organisation you can register a ‘National Date Opt-Out’ (previously known as Type 2 Opt-Out)

Still unsure on what this all means?

Please watch this very useful video to understand your choices GPDPR Explained – YouTube.

What is a Type 1 Opt-Out?

Type 1 Opt-Out means your data will not leave the GP surgery other than for your direct care.

How to register for a Type 1 Opt-Out

Please complete a Type 1 Opt-Out Form and return it us. Once you have completed this form we will be in touch to confirm this has been actioned.

If you would not like your GP data shared with NHS Digital using General Practice Data for Planning and Research (GPDPR), you need to register an opt-out with your GP Practice. We are awaiting an update from our GP Data Protection Officer for Gloucestershire onwhen the forms must be returned by to ensure your data is not taken in the first extraction which is happening on 1st September 2021.

What is a National Data Opt-Out (Type 2 Opt-Out)?

  • This stops your other medical data being shared (apart from for your Direct Care). Such as Religion, Ethnicity, Sexuality, Mental health issues and Medication.
  • There is no deadline to withdraw for the National Data Opt-Out (i.e. your non-GP data), but the sooner you do it, the sooner it takes effect.
  • The National Data Opt-out will not stop your GP data being extracted by the new GP data collection.

N.B. If you opted out of care.data in 2014, then you shouldn’t need to do anything now. As most people did both a ‘Type 1’ opt-out and what is now a National Data Opt-out, you can check your NHS Digital opt-out status online at NHS Digital.

There has been post on social media and new articles with false information about opting out of sharing your data with the NHS. This is what you need to know:

  • There is no 30 September deadline for opting out of sharing your data. You can opt out at any time.
  • NHS Digital will never sell your data
  • There are strict rules about how the NHS can use your data. This is done safely and securely
  • Shared data helps the NHS. This has helped find treatment for coronavirus and for vaccine research.

Read NHS Digital’s response to the false information about the national data opt-out

How to register for a National Data Opt-Out (Previously known as Type 2 Opt-Out)?

If you want to stop your non-GP data, such as hospital or clinic treatments, being used for purposes other than your direct care (e.g. for “research and planning “) you must use this process:

Forest Health Care are not able to do this for you.

If you have any concerns or questions, please contact NHS Digital. Their contact details can be found below.

You can contact NHS Digital in many ways: