Sometimes we are asked to provide information to outside organisations, like the Health Authority, to enable monitoring of services. In these cases, we remove all personal details from the information requested so that it is anonymous.
It is important that the NHS can use this information to plan and improve services for all patients. The NHS would like to link information from all the different places where you receive care, such as your GP surgery, hospital and community service, to provide a full picture of care services.
This information will allow the NHS to compare the care you received in one area against the care you received in another, and make improvements where and if necessary.
Information such as your postcode and NHS number, but not your name, will be used to link your records in a secure system, so your identity is protected.
This Information can then be used by others, such as researchers and those planning health services, to make sure the NHS provides the best care possible for everyone.
How your information is used and shared is controlled by law and strict rules are in place to protect your privacy.
We need to make sure that you know this is happening and the choices you have to opt out of your data being used in this way. To find out more, visit www.nhs.uk.