The NHS uses information about patients (patient data) to research, plan and improve:

• the services we offer
• the treatment and care patients receive

We get this data from your GP surgery, hospitals and other healthcare providers. The organisation that collects your data is called NHS Digital.

To help improve services, NHS Digital shares this data with researchers from organisations such as universities or hospitals. This type of data-sharing has been happening for many years.

All data that is collected and shared is protected by strict rules around privacy, confidentiality and security.

We never sell patient data or share it with insurance or marketing companies.

If you wish to opt-out of this service please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-the-nhs/opt-out-of-sharing-your-health-records/ and follow the instructions given.

Your Health Records

When you visit an NHS or social care service, information about you and the care you receive is recorded and stored in a health and care record.

This is so people caring for you can make the best decisions about your care.

The information in your records can include your:

• name, age and address
• health conditions
• treatments and medicines
• allergies and past reactions to medicines
• tests, scans and X-ray results
• specialist care, such as maternity or mental health
• lifestyle information, such as whether you smoke or drink
• hospital admission and discharge information

Find out about the types of records and how to access them