We ask you for personal information so that you can receive appropriate care and treatment. This information is recorded on computer and we are registered under the Data Protection Act.The practice will ensure that patient confidentiality is maintained at all times by all members of the practice team. However, for the effective functioning of a multi-disciplinary team it is sometimes necessary that medical information about you is shared between members of the team.
All staff in the practice are bound to maintain patient confidentiality. Any proven breach of confidentiality will be treated extremely seriously.
Under the Access to Health Records Act 1990 patients may request to see their medical records and we are happy to comply with any request and will arrange a convenient appointment for you to read your records.
Sharing Your Medical Record
You may be receiving care from other people as well as the NHS. We may need to share some information about you with them, so that we can all work together for your benefit. Anyone who receives confidential information about you from us is under a legal duty of confidentiality. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, for example, when the health and safety of others are at risk, we will only give your relatives, friends and carers information if you give us permission to do so. You may ask us to share your health record with other agencies eg solicitors, insurance companies, but we will only do this with your written consent.
Some confidential patient-identifiable data may be extracted under the Care Data (England) scheme. If you are concerned about this and are thinking about opting out, please ask at reception for a copy of the NHS England leaflet "How information about you helps us to provide better care".
Research Practice
Sometimes we may use information you give us to help with research into clinical conditions. Our research is anonymous and does not reveal personal information about our patients. However, if you do not wish medical data you provide to be used in research please inform the practice manager.
Zero Tolerance
We are fully committed to the NHS policy on Zero Tolerance and in order to maintain our high standards of patient care our staff must be able to work in an environment that is free from abusive language, violence, harassment and aggressive behaviour.