Data Choices Policy

Data choices policy

In order to provide the right level of care, we are required to hold personal information about you on our computer systems and in paper records to help us to look after your health needs. Your doctor is responsible for their accuracy and safe-keeping. Please help to keep your record up to date by informing us of any changes to your circumstances.

Confidentiality and Personal Information

Doctors and staff in the practice have access to your medical records to enable them to do their jobs. From time to time information may be shared with others involved in your care if it is necessary. Anyone with access to your record is properly trained in confidentiality issues and is governed by both legal and contractual duty to keep your details private.

All information about you is held securely and appropriate safe guards are in place to prevent accidental loss.

In some circumstances we may be required by law to release your details to statutory or other official bodies, for example if a court order is presented, or in the case of public health issues. In other circumstances you may be required to give written consent before information is released – such as for medical reports for insurance, solicitors etc.

To ensure your privacy, we will not disclose information over the telephone or fax unless we are sure that we are talking to you. Information will not be disclosed to family, friends or spouses unless we have prior written consent, and we will not leave messages with others.

You have a right to see your records if you wish but an appointment may be required and in some circumstances a fee may be payable. Please ask at reception or online through our website if you would like further details about our patient information leaflet.

Personal Data

The following IT systems are in use at the practice:

• Referral management (using NHS numbers in referrals).
• Electronic appointment booking (the facility to book routine appointments online and, similarly, to cancel appointments).
• Online booking of repeat prescriptions.
• Summary care record (uploading details of your current medication and allergies to the national “spine” so that these are available for doctors involved in your care elsewhere).
• GP to GP transfers (the electronic transfer of records from practice to practice when you re-register.
• Patient access to records (the facility to view your medical records online).

If you are: 

• Not already registered for online access and would like to be.
• Would like access to your medical records.
• Would like to opt out of the local or national summary care record.

Please contact our reception.