BPAS is committed to protecting the confidentiality and privacy of the people who use our services.
As an NHS provider, BPAS supports and applies the NHS National Data Opt-Out in accordance with NHS England requirements.
This page explains what the NHS National Data Opt-Out is and how it may apply when confidential patient information is shared with NHS organisations.
What is the NHS National Data Opt-Out?
The NHS National Data Opt-Out allows patients to choose whether their confidential patient information can be used for certain health and care planning and research purposes beyond their individual care and treatment.
The NHS National Data Opt-Out does not affect the care and treatment you receive.
BPAS' Commitment
Where the NHS National Data Opt-Out applies, BPAS will ensure that confidential patient information is processed in accordance with a patient's recorded opt-out preference and NHS England requirements. BPAS is committed to handling confidential patient information responsibly and respecting patient choices where the NHS National Data Opt-Out applies.
Sharing Information with NHS Organisations
BPAS may share confidential patient information with NHS organisations where this is necessary to provide care, deliver NHS-commissioned services, meet legal or regulatory requirements, or fulfil contractual and reporting obligations.
In some circumstances, information shared with NHS organisations may subsequently be used for health and care planning or research purposes. Where the NHS National Data Opt-Out applies to those uses, patient choices will be respected in accordance with NHS England requirements.
Where another NHS organisation receives information from BPAS and is responsible for deciding how that information is used, that organisation is responsible for applying the NHS National Data Opt-Out where required.
When the NHS National Data Opt-Out Does Not Apply
The NHS National Data Opt-Out does not apply in all circumstances.
For example, it does not prevent confidential patient information being used or shared where this is
necessary to:
- provide your care and treatment
- deliver NHS services
- comply with legal or regulatory requirements
- fulfil statutory, contractual or reporting obligations
- protect patients, staff or the wider public where required
Choosing to opt out will not affect the care or treatment you receive from BPAS.