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Every time we go to hospital,
the NHS collects information about us to help improve care for everyone.
For example, our information is used to check the safety of different hospitals,
to study the quality of care across the country
and to help plan new health services.
We've all been benefiting from information like this for decades,
but at the moment the NHS is missing information
about much of the care provided outside hospital.
This is a problem because it means no one really knows
how well all the different parts of the system are working together.
To help tackle this problem, the NHS is going to start collecting information
about the care provided outside hospital,
and we're going to collect some information
about hospital care that's missing at the moment,
such as details of tests and medications.
Together, these improvements will provide a better, more complete picture
of the care being delivered.
Soon we'll know about the quality of care that patients receive
as they move between all the different parts of the system.
We'll see where the NHS needs to invest more in different parts of the country
and in treating different diseases and conditions.
We'll find out where the NHS is providing excellent care,
but also where there may be local problems that need to be fixed.
However, you have a choice about taking part.
If you are happy for your information to be used like this by the NHS,
by researchers and other approved organisations,
then you don't need to do anything.
But if you'd prefer not to take part, just contact your GP practice.
The NHS believes your confidentiality is extremely important
and we will always comply with all our legal duties
to protect your information.
This is an opportunity for each of us
to help the NHS deliver high quality care for all.
For more detailed information, go to www.nhs.uk/caredata