Your health records contain a type of data called confidential patient information. This data can be used to help with research and planning.
You can choose to stop your confidential patient information being used for research and planning. You can also make a choice for someone else like your children under the age of 13.
What is confidential patient information
Confidential patient information is when 2 types of information from your health records are joined together.
The 2 types of information are:
- something that can identify you
- something about your health care or treatment
For example, your name joined with what medicine you take.
Identifiable information on its own is used by health and care services to contact patients and this is not confidential patient information.
How it can be used for Research and Planning
Confidential patient information might also be used to:
- plan and improve health and care services
- research and develop cures for serious illnesses
If you’re happy with your confidential patient information being used for research and planning you do not need to do anything. But if you would like to opt out then please download and fill the Data Opt-out form and post it to the address provided in the form or give it to one of the receptionist.
