Data Protection

The practice complies with the Data Protection Act 1998 to ensure that all patient records are kept secure and treated with the strictest confidence.

• All doctors and staff working for the NHS have a legal duty to maintain the highest level of confidentiality about patient information.

• In some instances, you may be receiving care from other people as well as the NHS, and it may be necessary to share some information with them in order to work together for your benefit.

• Anyone who receives confidential information from us is also under a legal duty of confidence.

• We will not disclose your information to third parties without your permission.

• We will only give your relatives, friends and carers information if you want us to.

• We participate in computer based research to assist in identifying patterns and prevalence of disease.

• We also use information in order to identify specific types of ill health so that we can plan for appropriate care for the local population.

• All information used in research is made anonymous to ensure that no patients can be identified.

• Occasionally we take part in health research and training with local hospitals or to train medical students.

• All patients will be asked if they wish to have their information used in research or wish to take part before any information can be disclosed.

• All patients have the right to refuse access to their records.