OpenSAFELY Data Sharing - How your GP data may be used
NHS England has issued a Data Provision Notice (DPN) requiring GP practices to provide access to patient data through a secure system called OpenSAFELY.
OpenSAFELY is used to help researchers and health professionals understand diseases like Covid-19 and improve care.
- Data is pseudonymised, which means personal details (like your name and date of birth) are removed and replaced with a code.
- Approved users can run research queries on this data, but they cannot see anything that directly identifies you.
Can I opt out?
If you do not want your information used in this way, you can register a Type 1 Opt-out with our GP practice.
This is called a Type 1 Opt-out.
- To do this you need to fill in an opt-out form and return it to your GP surgery. Download a Type 1 Opt-out Form: Type 1 Opt-out form
- Only your GP surgery can process your opt-out form. They will be able to tell you if, and when, you have been opted out.
If you choose a Type 1 Opt-out, your GP will not share your data for research and planning. However, NHS England will still be able to collect and share data from other healthcare providers, such as hospitals.
For more information please visit: NHS Website Opt-out of sharing your health records
Find out more
You can read more about OpenSAFELY here: www.opensafely.org