THE RECEPTION AREA
Your information is always treated in the strictest confidence. Should you have a problem that you do not wish to discuss at the reception desk please ask to talk to the receptionist in private.
PROTECTING YOUR INFORMATION
The NHS is dedicated to protecting your information. Everyone working for the NHS has a responsibility and a legal duty to protect your information, so that information is not disclosed to unauthorised bodies or people.
Information is recorded, either on paper or in ocmputer files. However, it is all treated with the same strictly controlled confidential care.
We need to be able to move electronic information from system to system, extracting the data and modifying it for the next system. Tests will need to be made periodically on the data to check that it has been transferred correctly. This is done under secure and carefully controlled conditions.
Your information may be shared with other healthcare professionals to ensure continuity of care. Sharing some types of very sensitive information is strictly controlled by law, and anyone who receives information from us is also bound by the same legislation. If you are receiving care from another NHS body or others such as Social Services, it may be necessary to share a limited amount of information with them so that we can work together for your benefit. If you do not wish your data to be shared in this way, please notify reception or your GP. We recommend you discuss your decision with your GP beforehand.
ACCESS TO MEDICAL RECORDS
Patients have the right to access their medical records; if you wish to view your medical notes please contact reception and an appointment will be made for this information to be made available to you. There is a charge of £10 to access your medical records and an additional fee for copies of records. We will need to have proof of your identify before sharing any information.
The practice complies with Data Protection and Access to Medical Records legislation. Identifiable information about you will be shared with others in the following circumstances:
- To provide further medical treatment for you e.g. from district nurses and hospital services.
- To help you get other services e.g. from the social work department. This requires your consent.
- When we have a duty to others e.g. in child protection cases.
- Anonymised patient information will also be used at local and national level to help the Primary Care Trust and Government plan services e.g. for diabetic care. If you do not wish anonymous information about you to be used in such a way, please let us know.
Reception and administration staff require access to your medical records in order to do their jobs. These members of staff are bound by the same rules of confidentiality as the medical staff.