We operate a strict code of confidentiality at all times in accordance with the principles of the NHS Information Governance Policy.
Both your paper and computer records are confidential. We comply with the Data Protection Act, 1998, which lays down legal requirements for computer users such as ourselves. The Caldecott Protocol and the Data Protection Act provide the basis of the policy. The aim is to safeguard patient identifiable information. Where information is used and shared between various bodies this must be justified and limited to essential information only.
You can be sure that anything you discuss with any member of this practice (doctor, nurse or receptionist) the information will stay confidential.
All patient information is considered to be confidential and we comply fully with the Data Protection Act.
All employees have access to this information in relation to their role and have signed a confidentiality agreement. Information may be shared, in confidence, with other NHS organisations in the interests of patient care.
The only reason why we might have to consider passing on confidential information without your permission, would be to protect you or someone else from serious harm. We would always try to discuss this with you first.
Our Practice policy is designed to ensure that there is no disclosure of patient information outside the guidelines and that every use of patient identifiable data is lawful.
We only ever use or pass on information about you if people have a genuine need for it e.g. in making clinical referrals. Anyone who receives information from us is also under a legal duty to keep it confidential.
Sometimes the law requires us to pass on information e.g. to notify a birth or when we encounter infectious diseases that may endanger the safety of others. Data may be gathered for audit purposes and in development of medical care or other NHS services.
Everyone working for the NHS has a legal duty to keep information about you confidential. We have a nominated lead person responsible for the operation of the policy and compliance with legal requirements. All Staff, both clinical and non-clinical are aware of their responsibilities and obligations under the policy.