All patient information is kept in strict confidence. We will not divulge information to anyone without your express consent.
Most of our information is held on computers and is retained and used strictly in accordance with the Data Protection Act. Young people under 16 years of age are normally entitled to the same confidentiality as adults, except in special circumstances where the doctor considers that a young person is in danger.
Computers
The practice is computerised and all information held on the computer is kept in accordance with the Data Protection Act. As with other medical records, all the information handled by the computer is completely confidential.
Access to Records
In accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Access to Health Records Act 1990 patients may request to see their medical records. Such requests are by appointment and may be subject to an administration charge.
No information will ever be released without your consent unless we are legally obliged to do so. If you wish, you may request to see copies of correspondence between your doctor and other medical practitioners (e.g. consultants).
If you wish to receive copies of correspondence, please inform your doctor. As such letters often contain specialised medical terminology; you may need to ask your doctor to explain them.
Please note that copy letters will be sent by post to the address given in your medical record.
Please make sure that your records are accurate and that no one else in your household is likely to see confidential information.
Review/Monitoring
We undertake to review, monitor and continuously improve the service we provide. This will ensure that our commitment to high quality patient care remains constant. Your views are important to us, as is your co-operation in achieving these aims and will help us judge whether we are meeting these standards.
In return we ask you to ensure that your written consent accompanies any request you have authorised for medical information.
Freedom of Information
The ICO has published a new Model Publication Scheme that all public authorities are required to adopt.