Confidentiality
Everything you tell anyone in the surgery is treated with absolute confidentiality. We cannot disclose identifiable information about you to a third party without your written consent.
Certain items such as private certificates, medical insurance claims for some travel vaccines, private medical examinations, copies of medical records, passport applications etc are chargeable. Ask at the reception for the tariff.
Why We Collect Information About You
Your Doctor and other health care professionals caring for you keep records about your health e.g. treatment and care you receive under the NHS. These help ensure that you receive the best care at all times. Your records may include manual or computerised records.
The records include:
Basic details e.g. your address, next of kin, and contacts regarding your clinic visits; any treatment and care you have received; notes and reports e.g. laboratory reports and x-ray results; telephone advice.
How Your Records are Used to Help You?
The Practice manages the confidentiality of your medical records in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. Please note that medical records are subject to inspection by the Primary Care Trust or its equivalent, for the purpose of financial audit, record validation as research. Should you wish your records to be excluded from inspection or use, please speak to the staff.
Anyone who receives information from us is also under a legal duty to exercise it confidentially.
We are required by law to report certain information to appropriate authorities. This is only provided after formal permission has been given by a qualified health professional. Occasions on which we must pass information include:
- Notification of new births
- Certain infectious diseases which may endanger the safety of others e.g. meningitis or measles.
- Where a formal court order has been issued.
Our Guiding Principle is that we hold your records in strict confidence.