Care Data and Summary Care Record

How the NHS Uses Your Information

• Data Collection: When you use healthcare services (like A&E, GP practices, or community care), your personal information is collected to ensure you get the best care possible.

• Beyond Individual Care: The data may also be used for purposes such as:

  
  

  • Improving the quality of care

  
  

  • Research and development of new treatments

  
  

  • Preventing illness and disease

  
  

  • Monitoring safety

  
  

  • Planning healthcare services

Legal Basis for Use: Information is only shared for these purposes if there’s a legal basis to do so, and your data is usually anonymised to protect your identity.

• Your Right to Opt-Out: You can choose whether you want your confidential patient information to be used for purposes beyond individual care. If you don’t opt out, your data may be used for research or planning, but if you do choose to opt out, your care won’t be affected.

• Further Information: You can visit the official NHS website to learn more or to change your opt-out settings:
  www.nhs.uk/your-nhs-data-matters

Summary Care Record (SCR)

• The Summary Care Record (SCR) is a central NHS database containing basic information like your medications and allergies.

• For Emergency Use: SCR helps emergency healthcare providers access your information when needed (for instance, when your surgery is closed).

• Opting In or Out: New patients can choose whether their information is uploaded to the central system. For existing patients, the default is that your information will be uploaded unless you opt out.

• How to Opt-Out: If you don’t want your information uploaded to the SCR, you need to complete an opt-out form and bring it to the surgery.

Risk Stratification

• What is Risk Stratification?: It’s a process that involves identifying patients who may be at risk of conditions like heart disease or who might need additional support. This is done by analyzing patient data from GP practices and NHS trusts to provide proactive care.

• Legal Basis: The NHS has a legal basis (Section 251 of the NHS Act 2006) to process personal health data for this purpose.

• Privacy: Any identifiable information used for risk stratification will only be seen by your GP practice and not shared with others.

• Opting Out: If you don’t want your data used for this purpose, you can request an opt-out by contacting your GP practice, and they will add a code to your record to prevent your data from being used in this way.

Data Protection and Transparency

• It’s a legal requirement for practices to be transparent and comply with data protection laws when processing your personal health data.

Key Actions for Patients:

• To Opt-Out of using your data for purposes beyond individual care or for the Summary Care Record, visit the NHS website or contact your GP practice.

• For Risk Stratification Opt-Out, request a form from your GP practice.

• Stay Informed by subscribing to newsletters or checking for updates on the practice website regarding data usage and your rights.