Data Protection Act 1998
Privacy Notice (GDPR)
COVID-19 AND YOUR INFORMATION
This page will explain to you why information is collected about you and the ways in which this information may be used, and how you can get access to your own health records.
The Data Protection Act 1998, allows you to find out what information about you is held on computer and in certain manual records.
This is known as ‘right to subject access’ it applies to your health records. If you want to see them you should make a written request to the practice. You are entitled to receive a copy but you should be aware that in certain circumstances your right to see some details in your health records may be limited in your own interest or for other reasons.
How your records are used to help you
Your records are used to guide professionals’ in the care you receive to ensure that your doctor, nurse or any other healthcare professional involved in your care has accurate and up to date information to assess your health and decide what care you need.
Full information is available if you see another doctor, or are referred to a specialist or another part of the NHS. There is a good basis for assessing the type and quality of care you have received. Your concerns can be properly investigated if you need to complain.
How your records are used to help the NHS
Your information may also be used to help us:
- Assess the needs of the practice population.
- Make sure our services can meet patient needs in the future.
- Review the care we provide to ensure it is of the highest standard.
- Teach and train health care professionals.
- Conduct health research and development.
Why we collect information about you
Your doctor and other health professionals caring for you keep records about your health and any other treatments and care you have received from the National Health Service. They may ensure you receive the best possible care from us. They may be written down, or on computer. The records may include:
- Basic details about you such as address and next of kin.
- Contacts we have had with you, such as clinic visits.
- Notes and reports about your health and any treatment and care you have received.
- Results of investigations, such as x-rays or laboratory test.
- Relevant information from other health care professionals, or those who care for you and know you well.
How we keep your records confidential
- Everyone working for the NHS has a legal duty to keep information about you confidential.
- You may be receiving care from other organisations as well as the NHS (like social services). We may need to share some information about you so we can all work together for you benefit.
- We will only ever use or pass on information about you if others involved in your care have a genuine need to do so.
We will not disclose your information to third parties without your permission unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as where the health and safety of others are at risk or where the law requires information to be passed on.
Anyone who receives information from us is also under a legal duty to keep it confidential. We are required by law to report certain information to the appropriate authorities. This is only provided after formal permission has been given by a qualified health professional. Circumstances include:
- An encounter with an infectious disease which may endanger the safety of others e.g. Measles or Meningitis.
- When a formal court order has been issued
Our Guiding principle is that we are holding your records in strict confidence.