CONFIDENTIALITY

All staff treat patient information whether held on computer or manual record as strictly confidential. In order to maintain confidentiality of laboratory and x-ray results, reports will be given only to patients themselves or to parents of minors if appropriate.

DATA PROTECTION

When you register as a patient with this practice your details are passed to the Health Authority which will update its records accordingly and arrange for transfer of your medical records from your previous doctor. In addition, other parts of the National Health Service may have access to your personal information from time to time, for example if you are receiving hospital treatment the hospital will require details of your relevant medical history.

The practice is registered under the Data Protection Act.

PATIENT INFORMATION & HOW WE USE IT

Your medical history is held in both written form and on computer so that we can provide a high standard of care. No-one outside the practice has access to these records. We have a legal obligation to keep them confidential and you have a right of access to them.

Within the practice the information on the computer system is protected by passwords so that only the doctors have full access to them and can amend the details. Reception staff have limited access to basic details so that they can make appointments, see what medication has been authorised or arrange recall for tests and procedures like flu' vaccination.

When we share information with others involved in your care we aim to provide only the information they require to treat you effectively.

Information is needed by the Health Authority to plan health and for training and research. When we give this information we remove the details which could identify you.

There are circumstances when we have a legal duty to provide information, such as to the DSS or to notify specific diseases such as salmonella or TB.

Other information would only be given out with your permission, other than in very exceptional circumstances.

If you would like to discuss these issues further please do not hesitate to contact the practice.