We take your privacy and care of your data very seriously.
Confidentiality
We understand it can be awkward or embarrassing to discuss some issues with us but please be assured that everyone – from our doctors, receptionists, and even cleaning staff are bound by a duty of confidentiality.
There are times when we may need to break confidentiality – often we will discuss this with you first, though very rarely we may need to share a serious concern without your permission for example if we think someone is in serious danger.
More information on confidentiality can be found on the NHS UK website.
Your data
Fair processing
The NHS has rigorous safeguards to protect your personal and health data. The Data Protection Act requires organisations, including those in the NHS, to process personal data fairly and lawfully.
The methods by which these processes are governed and explained to patients are known as ‘fair processing’.
Use of your data
The main use of data is for the provision of direct care and care services. In these cases, data are collected from patients and shared between doctors and other regulated professionals to enable the provision of care. Relevant data are stored and processed in computer systems within care providers, such as general practices and provider trusts, (e.g. hospitals and community services), and with any organisations that have been contracted to process data on their behalf.
Fair processing requires that such sharing is made clear to the patient in the process of the provision of care and is understood by the patient.
Privacy notices
Within the NHS, your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) [formally the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)] is responsible for planning, designing, buying and paying for certain NHS services. These services include planned and emergency hospital care, mental health, rehabilitation, and community services. We are required to share data with the ICB in order for us to provide care to you.
List of privacy notices:
Access to Records
All patients are able to request access to their records. There are multiple ways to do this:
- Use the NHS App which will provide a summary view of your record
- Request detailed access to your electric record. This can be all new data, or include all historic data
- A Subject Access Request which is a legal tool to access information we hold on you: Subject Access Request Form
National data opt-out
Your Data Matters to the NHS
Information about your health and care helps us to improve your individual care, speed up diagnosis, plan your local services and research new treatments. The NHS is committed to keeping patient information safe and always being clear about how it is used.
How your data is used
Information about your individual care such as treatment and diagnoses is collected about you whenever you use health and care services. It is also used to help us and other organisations for research and planning such as research into new treatments, deciding where to put GP clinics and planning for the number of doctors and nurses in your local hospital. It is only used in this way when there is a clear legal basis to use the information to help improve health and care for you, your family and future generations.
Wherever possible we try to use data that does not identify you, but sometimes it is necessary to use your confidential patient information.
You have a choice
You do not need to do anything if you are happy about how your information is used. If you do not want your confidential patient information to be used for research and planning, you can choose to opt out securely online or through a telephone service. You can change your mind about your choice at any time.
Will choosing this opt-out affect your care and treatment?
No, choosing to opt out will not affect how information is used to support your care and treatment. You will still be invited for screening services, such as screenings for bowel cancer.
What do you need to do?
If you are happy for your confidential patient information to be used for research and planning, you do not need to do anything.
To find out more about the benefits of data sharing, how data is protected, or to make/change your opt-out choice visit https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-the-nhs/opt-out-of-sharing-your-health-records/.