You may have seen information posted in the news and on social media about your GP data being extracted for NHS Digital use. You do not need to submit a form to us to express your wishes regarding your data – simply visit the NHS website and follow the instructions at the ‘Start Now’ point to record your preference. You will need your NHS number – you can find this by visiting the NHS Find your NHS Number website page.

Please note however, there is a lot of misinformation on social media about what this data will include and how it will be used.

Here’s what you need to know:

• There is no 30 September deadline for opting out of sharing your data. You can opt out at any time.
• NHS Digital will never sell your data.
• There are strict rules about how NHS can use your data. It’s only shared securely and safely.
• Shared data helps the NHS. It has been used to find the first treatment for coronavirus and for vaccine research.

See also www.nhs.uk/where-your-choice-does-not-apply for reasons why your data may be shared outside of this opt out process.

For more information visit www.digital.nhs.uk/national-data-opt-out/mythbusting-social-media-posts