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Sharing Data Policy
We know that many patients have been concerned about all the publicity on sharing patient data.
It is essential that we continue to share data with other healthcare organisations to keep you safe.
NHS digital is the NHS provider for data and IT systems for the NHS in England. They will collect the following information for planning purposes:
- Data about diagnoses, symptoms, observations, test results, medications, allergies, immunisations, referrals, recalls, and appointments, including information about physical, mental and sexual health
- Data on sex, ethnicity and sexual orientation
- Data about staff who have treated patients
NHS Digital will NOT collect:
- Name and address (except for postcode, protected in a unique coded form)
- Written notes, such as the details of conversations with doctors and nurses
- Images, letters and documents
- Coded data that is not needed due to its age - for example, medication, referral and appointment data that is over ten years old
- Coded data that GPs are not permitted to share by law - for example, specific codes about IVF treatment, and specific information about gender re-assignment
The data will go through a process of pseudonymisation which means that identifiable information such as NHS numbers, dates of birth and postcodes are replaced with codes.
- If you do not want your data shared with NHS digital then you can complete a Type 1 Opt out form. This means we put a code on your record to exclude your data from being shared with NHS Digital.
- If you do not want your data shared any further than NHS digital then can complete a National data opt out form.
