Health Data Research Service
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the answer of 22 April 2026 to question 125667 on Health Data Research Service, what consent will be sought from patients in order to use their data for research purposes.
Answered by Preet Kaur Gill
The Health Data Research Service (HDRS) will build on existing health research services, including the national and regional secure data environments, OpenSAFELY and NHS DigiTrials, which already support the safe, secure, and beneficial use of health data for research. As the model for delivery of HDRS is developed, we will consider how patients can exercise their choice as to how their data is used for research. Patients will continue to be able to exercise the National Data Opt-out.
The National Data Opt-Out was introduced in 2018, allowing patients, in specified circumstances, to opt-out of their confidential patient information being used for research or planning purposes. It has been mandatory since 31 July 2022.
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