National Data Opt Out

National Data Opt Out

The NHS is committed to keeping patient information safe and always being clear about how it is used.

How your data is used?
Your health and care information is used to improve your individual care. It is also used to help us research new treatments, decide where to put GP clinics and plan for the number of doctors and nurses in your local hospital. Wherever possible we try to use data that does not identify you, but sometimes it is necessary to use your confidential patient information

What is confidential patient information?
Confidential patient information identifies you and says something about your health, care or treatment. You would expect this information to be kept private. Information that only identifies you, like your name and address, is not considered confidential patient information and may still be used: for example, to contact you if your GP practice is merging with another.

Who can use your confidential patient information?
It is used by the NHS, local authorities, university and hospital researchers, medical colleges and pharmaceutical companies researching new treatments.

Making your data opt-out choice

You can choose to opt out of sharing your confidential patient information for research and planning. There may still be times when your confidential patient information is used: for example, during an epidemic where there might be a risk to you or to other people’s health. You can also still consent to take part in a specific research project.

Will choosing this opt-out affect your care and treatment?
No, your confidential patient information will still be used for your individual care.

Choosing to opt out will not affect your care and treatment. You will still be invited for screening services, such as screenings for bowel cancer.

What should you do next?
You do not need to do anything if you are happy about how your confidential patient information is used. If you do not want your confidential patient information to be used for research and planning, you can choose to opt out securely online or through a telephone service. You can change your choice at any time by visiting:

NHS Your Data Matters- manage your choice (this link will open in a new window – popups must be allowed) or telephone 0300 303 567

Summary Care Record and ESummary Care Record

There is a new Central NHS Computer System called the Summary Care Record (SCR). It is an electronic record which contains information about the medicines you take, allergies you suffer from and any bad reactions to medicines you have had.

Why do I need a Summary Care Record?

Storing information in one place makes it easier for healthcare staff to treat you in an emergency, or when your GP practice is closed.

This information could make a difference to how a doctor decides to care for you, for example which medicines they choose to prescribe for you.

Who can see it?

Only healthcare staff involved in your care can see your Summary Care Record.

UPGRADE to an ENHANCED Summary Care Record

If you live in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland you can sign up to an enhanced summary care record.

Staff in hospitals, ambulance crews, NHS 111, out-of-hours and social care services do not routinely have access to individual’s GP medical records. By consenting to an Enhanced Summary Care Record we can all help health and care staff to treat us more quickly and effectively, enabling them to make better and safer decisions.

You will already have a core Summary Care Record, but by spending a couple of minutes to complete the consent form to enhance your records you could end up saving your life.

The record can include details of illnesses and health problems, past operations and vaccinations, treatment preferences, information about the kind of support needed, and who should be contacted if more information is required.

Please encourage your family and friends to sign up too. You can download the consent form [WLCCG Enhanced SCR] and then return the completed form to your GP practice reception. Or next time you are talking to someone at your practice why not give your consent verbally?

This information will be managed securely in line with the NHS Care Records Guarantee. The Record will only be accessed by health and care staff if consent is provided by the patient, unless they are unconscious or unable to communicate and they believe that accessing the record is in the patient’s best interest.

How do I know if I have one?

Over half of the population of England now have a Summary Care Record. You can find out whether Summary Care Records have come to your area by looking at our interactive map or by asking your GP

Do I have to have one?

No, it is not compulsory. If you choose to opt out of the scheme, then you will need to complete a form and bring it along to the surgery. You can use the form at the foot of this page.

More Information

For further information visit the NHS Care records website

GP Earnings

All GP Practices are required to declare the mean earnings (e.g. average pay) for GP’s working to deliver NHS services to patients at each practice. The average pay for GP’s working in Dr Hepplewhite and Virmani’s Surgery in the last financial year was –

Awaiting Update

This is for 1 Full Time GP and 1 Part Time GP who worked in the practice for 6 months or more