Important notice for healthcare providers in England

• From 31 March 2022 all healthcare providers in England must comply with the National Data Opt Out (please note the change from previously communicated 30 September 2021)
• Patient data entered into SSNAP is subject to the Opt Out
• Each patient’s NHS numbers MUST be screened against the national opt out list at NHS Digital prior to ANY of their data being entered onto the SSNAP webtool
• Please check with your Trust’s Information Governance team for local arrangements by which the screen should take place

Guidance on the policy and how to comply with the policy is available here: https://digital.nhs.uk/services/national-data-opt-out/compliance-with-the-national-data-opt-out.

By adding and locking a record on SSNAP (either to 72 hours or discharge), you are confirming that the patient’s NHS number has been screened against the national opt out list and has not opted-out of inclusion of their data in SSNAP. 

The role of the SSNAP team is to inform participating teams of how the NDOO applies to SSNAP, it is up to individual Trusts to implement NDOO policy. We do not have any oversight of how each Trust adheres to the NDOO, this is up to each team. Please check with your Trust’s Information Governance team for local arrangements by which the screen should take place.

We also recommend contacting NHSD for advice and reviewing their comprehensive guidance document. It may be useful to use the upcoming months to test different ways of implementing and which best suit your team.

If you have any questions please refer to the link and let us know if there are any specific questions regarding SSNAP. We will be adding guidance regarding SSNAP and the Opt-Out here: https://ssnap.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/sections/360004813758-National-Data-Opt-Out