NHS patients’ GP records are the most detailed and sensitive medical records that exist, containing the history of events in an individual’s lifetime impacting their physical and mental health.
But, from 1 July, NHS Digital has announced that “data may be shared from the GP medical records about… any living patient registered at a GP practice in England when the collection started”.
(Read the full article here: https://bylinetimes.com/2021/05/19/the-government-wants-to-sell-your-gp-medical-records-heres-how-to-opt-out/)
To fully opt-out from having your NHS data used for purposes beyond your direct care is a two-step process:
1) If you have concerns and want to stop your and your family’s GP data being taken from your GP practice for purposes other than your direct care, you can do so by filling in and giving this ‘Type 1’ form to your GP practice. (This form allows you to include details for your children and dependants as well.) This is the most urgent step; the deadline to get your form to your GP is 23rd June 2021, according to NHS Digital.
2) If you want to stop your non-GP data, such as hospital or clinic treatments, being used/sold for purposes other than your direct care (e.g. for “research and planning”) you should also do the following:
· If you are opting out just for yourself, use NHS Digital’s online National Data Opt-out process – this process only works for individuals aged 13 and over.
· If you have children under 13, you need to fill in this form and e-mail or post it back to NHS Digital – this form works for both you and your children.