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.
The difference between your type 2 opt-out and the national data opt-out
All health and care organisations in England are required to apply your national data opt-out in line with the policy by March 2020, including hospitals and GP practices. Your type 2 opt-out only applied to confidential patient information being shared by NHS Digital.
National data opt-outs are not recorded at the GP practice and instead you can change your national data opt-out using the online service or by calling our contact centre.
Young adults from the age of 13 can set and change their own national data opt-out.
Make or change a choice for yourself or a child under the age of 13
You can make or change a choice for yourself by downloading and completing this form and emailing or posting it to the Contact Centre.
If you’re a parent or legal guardian of a child under the age of 13, you can also use this form to make and manage a choice on their behalf.Information:
Email: enquiries@nhsdigital.nhs.uk
Postal address:
National Data Opt Out
Contact Centre
NHS Digital
HM Government
7 and 8 Wellington Place
Leeds
LS1 4AP
You can also make or change a choice for yourself by phoning the NHS Digital Contact Centre.
The phone number is 0300 303 5678 – Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays).
A member of staff can:
- help you use the online service
- make or change a choice on your behalf
- print and post a form to you