Under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, NHS England has the power to direct the HSCIC to collect information from all providers of NHS care, including general practice. As a data controller, it is the responsibility of GPs to ensure that patients are made aware of the changes that are coming. Confidential data will be used to support commissioning, public health planning and research. Data extraction will be automatic (General Practice Extraction Service) unless patients wish to opt out; should you wish to opt out please just drop us a line and we will use the appropriate code in your records to ensure you do not participate. Leaflets have gone on display in the waiting room for patients wishing for more information.