Data & privacy
The NHS must keep your health information confidential, and you have rights over how your data is used.
- Updated August 2026
- Clinical review pending
- 1 source
At a glance
- Your confidential health information must be kept safe.
- In England you can use the national data opt-out for research and planning uses.
On this page (2 sections)
Overview
You have the right to privacy and to have your confidential information kept safe, and to be told how your information is used [1]. Your health data is protected by law.
Your choices
You can ask how your data is used, and in England you can use the national data opt-out to stop your confidential patient information being used for research and planning [1].
Sources
- Department of Health & Social Care (GOV.UK). The NHS Constitution for England (opens in new tab) Updated 17 August 2023. Accessed 12 August 2026.
About this page
- Written by
- Consumer Health editorial team
- Medical review
- Pending — this page has not yet been reviewed by a named clinician. Read our medical review policy.
- Last updated
- August 2026
- Next review due
- August 2027
Important: This information is for general guidance only and does not replace professional medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional — such as your GP or pharmacist — for advice about your individual circumstances, and do not start, stop or change any prescribed treatment based only on this page. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 999. Consumer Health is an independent health-information resource and is not the NHS or a government body.
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