National Diet and Nutrition Survey: Linking data

There is more information in this video about data that could, with your permission, be linked to your survey responses, and why this is important.

What does linking data mean?

We will ask for your permission to link your survey answers with your health records. Doing this, would let us add information about hospital visits, health conditions (like cancer), and details on dates and causes of death. You do not have to agree to link your data. This is your choice and will not affect your participation otherwise in this survey.

Why is linking data important?

Linking your answers to health data allows approved researchers to look at how lifestyle can have an impact on future health and disease.

Linking this data adds to the information collected from those taking part in the survey and provides an opportunity for researchers to get a more in-depth understanding of the links between eating habits and health. The research can be used to further improve policies and services.

What happens if I give permission for my data to be linked?

Data is only linked with health records where a person has given their permission. The linkage takes place when a specific research project that requires linked health data has been given approval.

If you give permission to link your survey answers to your health records, and linkage takes place, this is done by the organisation that holds your health records. At this time, your name, address, and date of birth, but no other information, would be passed to authorised individuals in that organisation. This is so they can retrieve the relevant health information that is required for the research project.

Once the data has been linked, identifiable information is removed before use in the research project. The results of the research will not identify you individually. The data from your survey responses will not be shared or used by anyone treating you as a patient.

You can cancel your permission to link your data at any time by contacting NatCen or the organisation that holds your health records.

If you do wish to withdraw your consent, please write to

National Centre for Social Research,
Unit 15 Ashton Gate, Ashton Road,
Romford, Essex, RM3 8UF
Survey Enquiry Team: 0800 652 4572
Email: ndns@natcen.ac.uk