Recently, there have been worrying and even false reports on changes to how data held about patients by GP practices is used by NHS Digital.
Patient data is collected and processed by NHS Digital and is used to help improve health and care for all of us. Uses include research on the impact of coronavirus on the population, research to improve treatment and diagnosis of diseases as well as helping to decide where new surgeries and clinics are most needed.
During 2021, NHS digital is introducing a new system aimed at improving the security of this information as well as controlling how it can be used.
NHS Digital will not collect patients’ names or addresses. NHS Number, date of birth, full postcode are included but these are encrypted before the data is shared with NHS Digital and will only be converted back in certain circumstances and where there is a valid legal reason.
More information on what data is collected and how it is used can be found at:
General Practice Data for Planning and Research (GPDPR) – NHS Digital
There is also a short YouTube video which explains more:
How the NHS uses your patient data from GP practices to improve health and care – YouTube
Patients can opt out of their data being used by NHS Digital online at:
https://www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters/manage-your-choice/ or by calling 0300 303 5678.
