Confidentiality and The Data Protection Act 1998

Under the Data Protection Act 1998, you have the right to know who holds personal information about you. With increasing ‘shared care’ between GPs, hospital doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, it may be necessary to share certain information i.e. past medical history, medication history and lab results. This prevents investigations being duplicated and ensures the health professional you are seeing is able to give you the best care possible.

Your personal health information is kept in records at the surgery. All information and personal details are treated by the doctors and practice team in the strictest confidence.

We will not give information about you to organisations such as benefits agencies, employers and insurance companies without your permission.

However, your information may be shared with others if your GP refers you to hospital or if you require a visit from a district nurse or health visitor. It may also be shared when we have a duty of care to others e.g. in child protection cases.

Anonymised information may be given to the NHS or local Health Board to help them improve the general public health and NHS services, e.g. planning diabetic services, training and education. If you are concerned regarding issues relating to confidentiality or require further details regarding the Data Protection Act 1998, please contact the Practice Manager to discuss.

Under no circumstances is information about you shared with third parties who do not directly contribute to, or support the delivery and planning of, your health and care unless your consent has been obtained.