The surgery Caldicott Lead is Doctor Justin Forbes. The surgery Data Protection Officer is Doctor Robin Hollands. Your rights are protected as we are registered under the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA)/GDPR. The Act provides a framework which governs the processing of information that identifies living individuals.

The NHS Confidentiality Code of Practice (COP) applies only to patient information. It incorporates the requirements of the DPA and other relevant legislation together with the recommendations of the Caldicott report and medical ethical considerations, in some cases extending statutory requirements and provides detailed specific guidance. All staff in the practice are bound contractually to maintain patient confidentiality and any proven breach of this will be treated extremely seriously.

We respect your right to privacy and keep all your health information confidential and secure. Confidentiality also extends to patients’ family members. Medical information relating to you will not be divulged to a family member or anyone else, without your written consent. As we are a computerised practice, all our patient records are kept on computer and we can assure patients of complete confidentiality.

It is important that the NHS keeps accurate and up-to-date records about your health and treatment so that those treating you can give you the best possible advice and care. However, for the effective functioning of a multi-disciplinary team it is sometimes necessary that medical information about you is shared between members of the practice team. We follow the guidance issued by the GMC in ‘Confidentiality: Protecting and Providing Information’ which explains circumstances in which information may be disclosed.

This information is only available to those involved in your care and you should never be asked for personal medical information by anyone not involved in your care.

You have a right to know what information we hold about you. If you would like to see your records, please speak to Fred Whalley, the practice manager.