NHS launches data-sharing 'opt-out' tool for patients across England

The NHS has launched a national data opt-out tool so patients in England can decide not to share their confidential information for use in research and planning.

Coinciding with the introduction of the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the tool will collect patient preferences between now and 2020 - by which point health and social care organisations across England will be expected to apply these to the choices they make in sharing patient data.

Data is generated about each of us every time we speak to a GP or consultant