All patients have the right to see what is kept on their medical record. If you want to view your record, please make a request with the medical secretary. You are also entitled to receive a copy of the information you have seen, please note that a small charge may be made for the administration and time involved.
Should your doctor decide that seeing your records might put your health at risk, you may only be shown part of your records or your request may be declined.
Sharing your medical record
In some instances, 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 confidence. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, for example, when the health or safety of others is at risk, we will not disclose your information to third parties without your permission.
In certain circumstances we are required by law to report information, however our guiding principle is that we are holding your records in strict confidence.
We will only give your relatives, friends and carers information if you want us to.
You may ask us to share your health record with agencies e.g. solicitors, insurance companies, we will only do this with your written consent, and you may ask to view this information before it is provided.
Computer Records and Confidentiality
The practice records the majority of the information it obtains about patients in a computerised record. The system used by the practice is part of the NHS National Programme for IT (NPfIT).
Access to patient identifiable information is strictly controlled by local and national confidentiality controls. Access is only allowed to people directly involved in their care. The practice takes confidentiality very seriously and maintains strict controls over access to information. Please contact the Practice Manager if you have any concerns over the management of your confidential information.
Confidentiality for those under 16
Teenagers are entitled to the same confidentiality as adults; this includes children over thirteen years of age providing the doctor or nurse feels they are capable of making decisions about their own health. All practice staff including receptionists following strict guidelines to ensure patient confidentiality.