GP data sharing: What is it and can I opt out? - BBC NewsWhat information will be shared?
The database will collect information on patients' physical, mental and sexual health, including details of diagnoses, symptoms, test results, medication and immunisations.
It will also include data on sex, ethnicity and sexual orientation.
NHS Digital points out that this information can already be extracted from GP practices at the moment, with 300 requests made last year.
It says the new central database will mean patient information will be accessed and stored in a more consistent way.
But critics point out that approved third parties - such as researchers at universities, charities or private companies - will be able to access the data under certain circumstances.
Why has the rollout been delayed?
There have also been concerns that patients have not been given enough information about the new scheme or what it means for their data.
Doctors' organisations like the British Medical Association and the Royal College of General Practitioners
argued that not enough people knew about the data transfer, or that they could opt out.
They successfully pushed for
a delay until 1 September[/size] so that people could be better informed, and have time to opt out if they wish.
In 2016,
a scheme called Care.data[/size] was abandoned after similar questions were raised about whether patients had received enough information about the plans.[size=0.875rem]