When you visit the GP, information about your health and treatments is recorded. This practice contributes to the THIN (The Health Improvement Network) database, which collects anonymised patient information practices in the UK. THIN is used for research to benefit future patients, and has been used to study infections, cancer, diabetes, medicine safety and many other health issues.
The data in THIN are anonymised, which means that details that could identify a person such as names and addresses are not included. Words and sentences in health records are processed
by computer to remove any that might identify a person. THIN data are stored securely at all times.
If you would like to opt out of this data collection scheme, please let practice staff know and your records will not be collected for THIN. This will not affect your care in any way.
Find out more on the Health Improvement Network website.