May 2018
PRIVACY NOTICE
We need to hold information about you on our computer system and in paper records to help us look after your health needs and your doctor is responsible for their accuracy and safe-keeping. Please help to keep your records up to date by informing us of any changes to your circumstances.
Doctors and staff in the Practice have access to your medical records to enable them to do their jobs. Anyone with access to your records is properly trained in confidentiality and governed by both a legal and contractual duty. All information about you is held securely and appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent accidental loss.
From time to time limited and relevant information may be shared with others involved in your care, to other NHS organizations to improve efficient management of the NHS or to aid medical research. As a Practice we feel that research is essential for progress in healthcare and is of considerable benefit to patients and the public as a whole. We often take part in research studies with the help of experienced NHS staff who search medical records for people who might be suitable so that they can we contacted to ask if they are interested in taking part. No personal identifiable data is removed from the NHS or provided to any researchers without specific consent from patients. Patients have the right to opt out of being contacted about research studies. Please let the Practice know if you have any objections to this use of data and wish to opt out.
In some circumstances we may be required by law to release your details to statutory or other official bodies, for example if a court order is presented or in the case of public health issues. In other circumstances you may be required to give written consent before information is released – such as for medical reports for insurance companies or solicitors.
To protect your privacy we will not disclose any information over the telephone or fax unless we are sure that we are talking to you. Written consent should be provided if you wish medical information shared with spouses, family or friends and this will require to be renewed frequently to account for changes in circumstances.
You have a right of access to your medical records. Please could you put any request for this in writing.
If you wish any more information please contact the Practice.