We respect your right to privacy and keep all your health information confidential and secure. It is important that the NHS keeps accurate and up-to-date records about your health and treatment so that those treating you can give you the best possible care.
This information may be used for management and audit purposes. However, it is usually only available to, and used by, those involved in your care. You have the right to know what information we hold about you. If you would like to see your records please contact the Practice Manager.
Practice code of confidentiality
You must at all times be aware of the importance of maintaining confidentiality of information you gain during the course of your duties.
This will in many cases include access to personal information relating to service users.
You must treat all information in a discreet and confidential manner and particular attention is drawn to the following:
- Data protected information regarding patients must not be disclosed either verbally or in writing to unauthorised persons. It is particularly important that you should ensure the authenticity of telephone enquiries.
- Written records, computer records and correspondence pertaining to any aspect of the organisation’s activities must be kept securely at all times.
- You have an obligation to ensure that computer systems which you use are protected from inappropriate access within your direct area of practice e.g. by ensuring that personal access codes are kept secure.
- All data held, its management and procedures must conform to the requirements of the Data Protection Act (1998). Under the Act patients and staff have a right of access to their records on application to the appropriate manager.
- If it is necessary to share information in order to effectively carry out your work, you must make sure that as far as is reasonable this information will be exchanged on a strictly ‘need to know’ basis, using the minimum that is required and be used only for the purpose for which the information was given.
- If unsure, seek advice from the Practice’s Caldicott Guardian.
- Conversations relating to confidential matters affecting patients should not take place in situations where they may be overheard by passers-by, e.g. in corridors, reception areas, lifts and cloak rooms.
- The same confidentiality must also be observed in dealing with work related matters appertaining to work colleagues.
- Any breach of confidentiality may be regarded as misconduct and may be subject to disciplinary action.
- The Data Protection Act governs personal information and unauthorised disclosure of such information is unlawful.
