What is Care Data?
Under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, there were important changes to allow the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) to collect and share confidential information from medical records. Please note this system is not the same as Summary Care Records that shares information about you (allergies, medicines, reactions to medication etc.) in an emergency with out of hours services and emergency departments when your GP practice is closed.
It is important that the NHS can use this information to plan and improve services for all patients. The system's intention is to link information from all the different places where you receive care, such as your GP, hospital and community service, to help the NHS provide a full picture. This will allow the NHS organisations to compare the care you received in one area against the care you received in another, so we can see what has worked best. Information such as your postcode and NHS number, but not your name, will be used to link your records in a secure system, so your identity is protected. Information which does not reveal your identity can then be used by others, such as researchers and those planning health services, to make sure we provide the best care possible for everyone.
Can I opt out?
Yes, you have a choice. If you are happy for your information to be used in this way you do not have to do anything. If you have any concerns or wish to prevent this from happening, please speak to practice staff or download a copy of the leaflet “Better information mean better care” below. If you do not consent to information being shared, please print, complete and return the "Care.Data Opt-Out Form" below. You can obtain a copy of the opt-out form from reception if you do not have access to a printer.