You have a right to keep your personal health information confidential. Any information given to anyone in this practice is considered confidential. All employees are trained in information security and confidentiality. There are strict codes of conduct in place to ensure your information is safe whether it is on paper or computer files. Where data is stored electronically we comply with the Data Protection Act 1998.
Any information shared (confidentially) with other specific NHS organisations is also bound by strict regulations of confidentiality. Whenever we can, we shall remove details which identify you. Medical information requested by other sources, e.g. employers, insurance companies and solicitors is only provided with your written consent.
Your medical details will not be disclosed to your family, friends or colleagues unless we have your written consent to do so.
You are entitled to receive a copy of any letter that the practice writes about you. This is usually in the form of referral letters to hospitals. The clinician writing the letter will ask whether you wish to receive a copy.
Under the Data Protection Act 1998. you are legally entitled to access your clinical records from 1st October 1991 , but we usually permit access to your complete record. If you wish to access your records, please contact reception for further advice. All requests to view medical records should be made in writing to the surgery. The practice is allowed by law to charge a fee to cover our administration costs.